Heathfield Headlines

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Issue 29Monday 20 March 2017

BBC School Report

Continued on Page 3…Year 10 Heathfield Community College

students interviewed Huw Merriman MP as

part of BBC School Report on 16 March.

Students challenged their MP on the

government’s funding for schools and on the

decision to provide more money to open

new grammar schools at a time when

existing schools don’t have the funds

needed to sustain current provision.

Huw Merriman said "The students at

Heathfield asked me probing questions

and I suspect that a career in journalism

awaits them. The questions on education

were topical at a time when more funding

is needed. As Chairman of the All Party

Parliamentary Group for the BBC, it was

a pleasure to combine my support for the

BBC with that of my local school.“

Apart from school funding and grammar

schools, students from a range of year groups

reported on a number of other stories for BBC

School Report on Thursday 16 March, from the

mental health issues facing teenagers today,

to political issues such as Brexit and Trump’s

state visit, to interviews with author Jenny

McLachlan about her new book ‘Stargazing for

Beginners’ and with former Director of

Learning at Apple, Dr Rankin. The news was

created in a variety of formats: filmed

broadcasts, recorded broadcasts on Radio

Heathfield and written articles which will also

appear in the College newspaper ‘The Vine’.

All the pieces created were submitted to the

BBC via the School Report login and updates

were posted on the College BBC Report

Twitter account @HCC_BBC_Report and on the

College Website throughout the day. View

reports using the link below.

Continued on p3…

Heathfield BBC School Report

College Website

Heathfield HeadlinesIssue 23

Friday 25 November 2016

Message from the Headteacher, Caroline Barlow

Heathfield Headlines

I very much enjoyed being interviewed this week by our BBC School Report Team, however, I

am sure, like me, you will be equally impressed at the wide range of skills and talents

shown by students in this edition of Headlines. They are the embodiment of our Heathfield

Habits:

Ambitious and Curious

Determined and Reflective

Engaged and Enthusiastic

Compassionate and Considerate

Honesty and Integrity

It is important to recognise though that underpinning this wide array of impressive activities

is an understanding of the importance of getting the basics right. Michael Jordan is quoted

as saying, “get the fundamentals down and the level of everything you do will rise”. For

our students that means a real focus on making sure the simple basic expectations are met

in every lesson, every day.

That means uniform; it means equipment; it means meeting deadlines, working hard and

following instructions. Each of these elements are small in themselves but when applied

consistently every day in every situation they create the building blocks for success. It is

sometimes tempting to lower one’s expectations of these basics, to think they don’t really

matter. But habits are habits because they are applied every day and they become the way

you work.

“You can practise shooting eight hours a day but if your technique is wrong then all you

become is very good at shooting the wrong way.” (Jordan)

The building blocks of success in school lie getting the simple things right every day: pride

in wearing the uniform correctly, confidence from having the right equipment, security from

knowing you are organised and all deadlines are met. That pride, confidence and sense of

security is what allows our students to fly, enables them to compete at the highest levels in

sport, dance in front of large audiences, calculate hard maths or debate at a regional level

as shown in this edition of Headlines.

So, we make no apology for our determined focus on getting the basics right. Those habits

build confidence and underpin the ability of our students to be consistently successful. And

as this edition of Headlines shows, they are making quite a habit out of that!

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an

act, but a habit.Aristotle

Heathfield HeadlinesIssue 23

Friday 25 November 2016

Heathfield Headlines

On Thursday 16 March Year 11 parents and children attended a “How to help your child with

revision” evening. With the GCSE exams approaching, this event was well attended. The

sessions involved the parents working alongside their child with English, Maths and Science

activities to model effective revision strategies which included mind-mapping, teaching your

parents how to solve a GCSE Maths question and the use of flashcards.

What the parents said…

We learnt:

“Students teaching parents is an effective method of

revising.”

“Mind Maps are great – I’ve never seen them before!”

“We saw a good range of techniques to use – thank

you!”

“Just reading their notes is not enough.”

“There are many, many resources available on the website and firefly – particularly like

the flashcard tip.”

“This was a well organised evening. It clarified how best to support my daughter during

her revision and gave me confidence that I will be able to judge her progress.”

Year 11 Revision Evening

At our Parents’ Evenings over the last couple of months we have asked parents to fill in a

questionnaire which helps the College to evaluate its practice across a variety of areas. In the

light of these questionnaires we look to either celebrate what we do well or explore ways in

which we can improve our practice. On some occasions we need the help of parents to help

shape this. As a result of the latest questionnaires we have set up a Parent Forum to investigate

ways in which the College could improve the way we respond to concerns raised by parents.

Last week the Parent Forum met after all parties had completed a questionnaire to explore

where the College works well when concerns are raised and where we need to improve. This

was a very fruitful meeting with many ideas shared. The Forum is currently working on a ‘how

to raise a concern and how to deal with a concern’ protocol for both parents and staff. This will

include the tone of the concern, whom to send your concern to, the type of communication

method and guidelines as to when the College will respond by, having clear outcomes for both

parties with an opportunity to check everyone is happy with the outcome.

Thank you to those parents who are working alongside us in this venture.

Parent Forum Update

Heathfield HeadlinesIssue 23

Friday 25 November 2016

Heathfield Headlines

BBC School Report is a fantastic opportunity

for ambitious students to have a true

experience of journalism. Joe Taylor, who

interviewed Huw Merriman, said, “It was a

great opportunity to get our MP to answer

the questions that are concerning students

and I am now considering a future career in

journalism.”

“I really enjoyed BBC School Report because

it is a great opportunity to use the range of

media equipment within the College. It is

also very exciting knowing our footage

could potentially get picked up by the BBC.”

Alex Edwards, Year 8

Bev Maguire, teacher responsible for BBC

School Report said, “The students were

highly accomplished in the way they

interviewed Huw Merriman. They were

determined to hold him to account but

conducted the interview in an entirely

polite manner. It has been great to see

students grow in confidence in their

journalistic skills and the technical skills

required for successful filming and editing.”

“As parents, it was such a delight to see our

son literally come bounding out of school

the day before really excited about his

School report press badge and excited in

anticipation for the following day. He

enjoyed the day immensely and it was such

a valuable experience for the students to

see what it would be like in real life to be

filming, doing the sound and editing a real

life news report. It is this sort of

experience that brings the whole learning experience alive.” Parent

BBC School Report Continued…

Heathfield Headlines

Determined & Reflective

The Big Dance Extravaganza

Organised by Heathfield Community College,

this year's Big Dance Extravaganza went by the

theme of ‘when you were born’ which

included dance routines to songs from

2005/2007 from the College’s 11 feeder

primary schools.

Held on Wednesday 15 March at the Assembly

Hall in Tunbridge Wells, the event included

performers from Cross In Hand, Punnetts

Town, Broad Oak, Parkside, All Saints and St

Richard's, Dallington, Maynards Green,

Burwash, Five Ashes, Mayfield and

Herstmonceux primaries. Students from Years

8 to 11 at the College were also involved as

well as A. B Stage school.

Justine Jackson, head of dance at the College,

said: "Dedication, determination,

commitment, enthusiasm and energy are

just some of the attributes that sum up the

work ethic and performing skills that have

been exhibited by all students involved in

The Big Dance. It makes me very proud as a

dance teacher to be a part of this exciting

event. A special thanks to Abi Brockhurst

from A. B Stage school for choreographing

the Primary School routines"

Heathfield HeadlinesHeathfield Headlines

Pi Day

Engaged & Enthusiastic

For a second year in a row, students in Mathematics classes at Heathfield Community

College celebrated Pi Day. Pi Day is celebrated around the world on 14 March as it is the

third month and the 14th Day (3.14…). Pi is the constant found by dividing the

circumference of a circle by its diameter. It has been represented by the Greek letter π

since the mid-18th century. It has been calculated to over one trillion digits past its

decimal.

In Maths lessons, students in all year groups solved questions involving the use of Pi,

from calculating area of circles and compound shapes made from circles to solving

trigonometric equations involving radians at Key Stage 5. One of the challenges the

students faced was to solve the following problem:

If everyone in the world were to form a circle, standing with their arms stretched and

their fingertips touching, would it be big enough to fit around the Earth’s equator?

Subjects other than Maths also celebrated Pi Day from writing a computer program that

calculates Pi by throwing darts to writing a short story where the length of the words

have to follow the digits of Pi.

Students in tutor time celebrated by playing Pi Dingbats or finding their Pi Day on the

website mypiday.org. The song ‘Mathematical Pi’ (to the tune of American Pie) played

throughout the day to add more celebration to the day.

Heathfield HeadlinesHeathfield Headlines

Science Week

Ambitious & Curious

Science Week Is celebrated across the country on 10 -19 March.

This Year’s theme was Change. Students helped put together our

Actual Living Scientist display showing details of Scientists

around the World and the diverse areas they all work in. Science

staff also changed their lessons this week, and in support of

Demo Day, taught all students across the College about Dry Ice;

showing off its impressive behaviour with theatrical fog and fog-

filled bubbles. Students can get involved at home too by taking

part in this year’s Citizen Science, classifying penguins! To find

out more, visit www.penguinwatch.org.

On 9 March, having recently been

victorious at the level 3 County Round, the

KS3 girls Eloise Matthews, Grace Tye, Beth

Montgomery and Lara Hammond travelled

to Guildford Spectrum at the crack of

dawn to represent not just Heathfield

Community College but also Sussex in the

level 4 badminton Regional Rounds.

A very high standard of badminton was

played throughout the day with several

players holding national ranks and England

caps and the current age group national

champions. Our first match against

Walthamstow Hall, an Independent Girls’

School, had not only the nationally ranked

no. 1 player in their team along with four

other county standard players, but the

team was coached by former GB no.1

player Jo Muggeridge. So after a tough test

for our opening game we knew the day was

going to require great determination.

Having lost the first game, the girls did

well, showing great resilience and resolve

to come back, win and make it through the

morning league stage session to the semi-

finals to face Kendrick School (Girls’

Selective School). Again an opposition

team that held top five nationally ranked

players and several county players.

Badminton Regional Round

Determined & Reflective

During the semi-finals the girls fought hard,

playing for every point as if the score line

was 20-20. They contested well although

eventually losing 4-1 to the team that went

on to be the overall winners of the event!

The girls unfortunately then lost the 3rd/4th

play-off match to Royal Latin Grammar

School 4-1 to finish a fantastic fourth

position in the South East Region.

Mrs Cobbold said: “The girls have tried

their hardest during every game and

rally, no matter what the score line,

giving their best. They did themselves

and the College proud. I was privileged to

be able to watch them perform at such a

high standard.”

Heathfield Headlines

Y5/6 Level 2 School Games High 5 Netball Event

Rowing Success

Determined & Reflective

Year 8 Football Victory

The Year 8 team again triumphed over their latest opponents,

beating Chichester High School 6 - 4, after extra time.

A close encounter on the College field ended 4 - 4 at the end

of full time. Extra time was therefore needed to separate

the teams and with two early goals the Heathfield managed

to close out the game. Their reward is a Semi Final against

Angmering School before the end of this term.

Sam Sheppard (Y11) and his rowing partner from Bewl

Bridge Rowing Club won the J16 2x race (Junior 16

year old double sculls) at the Maidstone Spring Head

on 5 March, which is a selection event for the

prestigious Junior Inter-Regional Regatta at the

National Water Sports Centre, Holme Pierrepoint,

Nottingham. Sam will now be representing the South

East Thames region competing against the other 11

national regions at the JIRR event on 22 April.

With Storm Doris blowing in, the recent High 5 netball tournament was a very cold and

blustery affair! The 14 teams from the nine different primary schools did well to score in

their short matches despite the high winds. The games were close with many draws and

even a cross-over play-off match between Burwash & ASSR for the lower four places going

to a golden goal to decide their next game. The A league requirement of eight players in

the team was won by Mayfield, with Dallington coming in as runners up. Both schools go

through to represent Heathfield in the North Wealden Partnership event being held in

March. In the round robin B league, when a minimum of five players are needed with no

other rules on team size, ASSR were winners and Dallington and Maynards Green were

runners up – all teams on the same points and first and second place decided upon by goal

difference only.

Many thanks go to the lovely year 10 leaders who helped to officiate and score at this

event. A great challenge in such cold conditions and their support was much appreciated

by Ms Cobbold and all the schools. Without them the event would not be able to take

place.

Heathfield Headlines

Sixth Form

On Saturday 4 March, Year 12 students Olivia

Gillbanks, Jordache Taylor and Elizabeth Fitton

represented Heathfield Community College at

the Rotary Youth Speaks competition in

Maidstone.

They were up against a highly competitive field,

with 8 other teams across Sussex and Kent also

taking part. Olivia, Jordache and Elizabeth

worked together as a team to present an

argument on women's rights in 2017, discussing the extent to which women's pay and

opportunities were equal not only in Britain, but on a global basis. The team's argument

was not only factually supported but also passionately presented.

Unfortunately, they did not win the competition but they received certificates of

participation as well as experience in public speaking which will help them when it comes

to applying to universities in Year 13.

Well done girls, you represented the College beautifully.

Rotary Youth Speaks Finals

As part of the A-level Drama course students have to compare a modern day performance

with how it would have been performed in the original conditions. As we have the time

period of 1800-1900 we went to see "Hedda Gabler" by Ibsen at The National Theatre. It

was a stunning performance and a complete contrast to the how it would have been

performed as it had a vast, minimal box set showing the distance between the characters

and everything stripped bare. There were some electrifying moments of raw acting where

the director's intention was to really show the characters functioning on an instinctive

level. The production was full of symbolism which made the images it created resonate

with the audience long after they had left the theatre. We all absolutely loved the show

and it has provided us with some very interesting issues to discuss in our A-level Drama

lessons.

“As a drama-lover I was so excited to see Hedda Gabler, as I'd never heard of it and it was a different style of play to what I usually see. The drama trips make a great evening, with time to wander London and get something to eat with friends before the show. Hedda Gabler was a visually amazing piece with an incredible amount of symbolism, also with well-known actors suchas Ruth Wilson. After reading the play I wasn't sure what to

expect, but now it is by far one of my favourite plays.”Rosie Page, Y13

A-Level Drama Trip To Hedda Gabler

Heathfield Headlines

Sixth Form

Written by Emily Bigwood, Y12

We walked out on the pitch, ready to play, got in formation and Mr Pedley started the

game. Everyone got stuck in. Bexhill had kicked off and not much later scored, and then

again. We were two down but then Ella Hedley ran the ball down the wing and from just

over half way struck the ball; it bounced over the goalkeeper's head and we had our first

goal! Then it was Celeste Leal's turn; the ball got crossed in, she ran on to it and she

tapped it in. So we were drawing 2-2, then came the good bit; our star player Emily

Bigwood fired the ball in to the bottom right of the goal from a corner...into our own goal.

Suddenly we were down 3-2, good work there!

The whistle went for half time. The girls hadn't lost hope; they huddled and regained

focus. Back on the pitch and Bexhill scored again but our girls hadn't given up yet.

Heathfield were awarded a penalty and we weren't throwing this chance away. We sent

Mads Bush to take it and she didn't let us down; cool and collected she sent the ball flying

into the top left corner. Soon after, two of our players, Katie Wates and Ella Hedley, got

taken off the pitch with injuries and then came another goal from Bexhill. The final

whistle blew. We definitely gave them a run

for their money and you could tell they were worried.

The final score was sadly 5-3 but we still enjoyed it. It was a great

game to watch with lots of support from other sixth formers and a

few teachers. who came to watch. Thank you!

Sixth Form Football Match

Caterlink

Half term saw the launch of our new menu. We now change these each half term as this

enables us to keep them more seasonal than they were before.

It is proving very popular with the students and is supported by our ‘grab and go’ range of

freshly produced items. This term we have also launched Pizza Market which has really

taken off. It is a fresh dough product supplied frozen that is proved on site and then

topped with a selection of popular toppings.

Within our menu are our new high street based concepts and our Development Chef

visited to assist the team in launching ‘Mac and Cheese’ This is a delicious dish of

homemade macaroni cheese with which the students can select from different side dishes

and toppings.

New Menu

Lunch MenuCollege Website

As a company we will be continuing to look at what is available on

the high street to stay up to date with our own versions of dishes

that are popular with the students

and current trends.

Heathfield Headlines

Update On Voluntary Donations

Again, a very big thank for all the contributions we have received in response to our appeal

in June to support the extra things that we would like to be able to do for our students but

are increasingly struggling to do in the flat cash environment of school budgets. We

promised we would update on the impact on students. Two previous updates have appeared

in Headlines and below represents further detail.

These have used up a portion of the donations received so far. We have more ideas for the

summer term but will update further in due course. Our ability to continue to provide these

kind of extras that enhance students’ experience is dependent on the donations we receive.

We are grateful to all those who donated when we made the request last summer.

Next term when we issue the invitation again we will also be detailing the more substantial

projects we would love to be able to carry out for the students but are unable to due to the

diminishing capital funds alongside the reduced real terms budgets and rising costs.

Thank you to all who are supporting the College and our students to enjoy these extra

aspects. We are delighted to be able to provide these enriching opportunities.

Thank you.

Student Leadership

We have sourced training materials for the School Council and all

Leadership roles so that they can have bespoke training for their specific

roles. They are all working through leadership programmes with set criteria

and will receive badges of Bronze, Silver and Gold awards when they have

achieved each standard in the end of term assembly.

Approx. cost of

programme

booklets,

certificates and

badges: £400.00

Approx. cost of

training:£1000.00

Social Time activities

We have purchased board games and short films as recommended by the

School Council for use in wet weather lunchtimes. These have been used in

both cold and wet weather.

Cost of games boxes

and films: £480.00

Duke of Edinburgh

We are looking to pilot a small group to take Bronze Duke of Edinburgh and

to make sure it is sustainable before widening the opportunity to more

students

£200.00 set up costs

A Paralympian to visit the school

In the summer term we have secured a Paralympian to visit the school for a

whole day and work with groups of students both in a PE and Sport capacity

but also in terms of the inspiring messages they can deliver around

resilience to all students. They will also then be our keynote speaker for

Honours Awards evening

Speaker for the

whole day £900.00

£2900.00 allocated

Consultation DocumentCollege Website

Schools national funding formula (NFF) consultation deadline is Wednesday 22 March. If

you are willing to look at the Consultation Document and complete a response then the

more voices they hear the better.

#FlatCashEd –NFF Consultation Deadline

Heathfield Headlines

Career opportunities

NCS Summer Programme – Letter to Parents

Heathfield Headlines

Career opportunities

OPEN DOORS – Get into Construction

Monday 27 March — Saturday 1 April 2017

A unique chance for you to see behind the

scenes at major ‘live’ construction sites

across England, Scotland and Wales.

Discover how the buildings and structures in

your community are constructed and find

out about the diverse range of skills and

professions needed on site.

Be inspired by this growing industry, and

learn how to start your career in

construction.

The most recent Open Doors event saw over

3,000 bookings across more than 130

construction sites in England, Scotland and

Wales.

Eastbourne Arndale Is Taking Part -Booking FormOpen Doors Website

List Of All Sites Across UKOpen Doors Website

Get Into Construction

If you have a business locally and have

opportunities for school leavers please let

us know by emailing

office@heathfieldcc.co.uk as we may be

able to promote to students.

Opportunities For School Leavers

Opportunities at Fidelity

Funded Degrees and apprenticeship places

at Fidelity in Tonbridge – Applications by 3

April.

Opportunities at FidelityFidelity Website

Events & Notices

Volunteers Needed!

To be involved in a highly rewarding

opportunity.

We require volunteers to assist with

providing access arrangements during exam

periods.

Volunteers need to have numeracy and

literacy skills which would allow them to

act as readers and scribes for candidates

sitting GCSE qualifications. Some candidates

will have special educational needs and

associated difficulties.

Full training for the role will be provided.

Please contact Ben Barnett, Specialist

literacy teacher by email if you would like

further information or to register your

interest at bbarnett@heathfieldcc.co.uk

Saracens v Quins at Wembley

Heathfield Headlines

Events & Notices

Foster Carers Needed Evening of Dance

Parents/students can now buy tickets for

‘The Evening of Dance’ on 30 March 2017

from Reception. Cash accepted only.

For Boys and Girls aged 5-12 years – 10-

3pm daily.

@ Eastbourne Borough F.C. Priory Lane

Stadium, Langney, Eastbourne BN23 7QH

Week 1 - Mon 3 April to Thurs 6 April 2017

Week 2 - Mon 10 April to Thurs 13 April

2017

£20 per day or £70 for all 4 Days Week 1 or 2.

Our Soccer Schools are run by fully

qualified/CRB checked coaches who will be

delivering fun games, skills and tips on how

to improve their football and enjoy the

beautiful game.

To reserve a place for your child or for

further details, please call 07885 298134 or

email: youth.development@ebfc.co.uk

Easter Holiday Soccer School

College Anniversary

Heathfield Community College officially

opened on 14 March 1952, however, It has

come to our attention that the College was

open to students and staff two years prior

the official opening. Our 50th anniversary

was also celebrated in the year 2000 based

on the College being open from 1950. We

look forward to marking our 70th

Anniversary on 14 March 2020.

Heathfield Headlines

Events & Notices

Date Event

Wednesday22.03.17

Extended Learning DayY11 Parent Learning WalkY11 GCSE Drama Exam to Parents

Thursday23.03.17

Y9 Parents’ Evening

Friday24.03.17

Red Nose Day

Monday27.03.17

Broadbridges Uniform Drop Off/Collection

Tuesday28.03.17

TRIP: Parliament Trip (Y12 History & Politics)

Wednesday29.03.17

TRIP: A Level Conference (BusinessStudies)

Thursday30.03.17

Y11 GCSE Drama ExamEvening Of Dance

Friday31.03.17

END OF TERM 4TRIP: Y12 UCAS HE Exhibition –Brighton Centre

Calendar Dates

Sussex PPC Newsletter

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner News

ACRES Adult Education

Click to view the latest news from ACRES

Clubs & After School Sessions

Click for current information & times

Governors’ page

Information about our Governors

Quick Links

Parent Feedback

Feedback from forums and questionnaires

Open Mornings

It is essential to book for these tours as

places are limited

Please contact Reception on 01435

866066 Ext 1200 or email

office@heathfieldcc.co.uk

Tuesday 25 April

Wednesday 10 May

Wednesday 14 June

Friday 7 July

To keep up to date visit…www.heathfieldcc.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter…@heathfield_cc

Contact us…office@heathfieldcc.co.uk | 01435 866066

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you know how businesses use them? Did

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The Vine

The Vine's first ever Creative Writing

Competition! All year groups welcome!

Stories or poems up to 800 words. Entries to

csavage@heathfieldcc.co.uk by March 24.

Read the latest Issue of The Vine

Vine Webpage