What are the key priorities for your subject this year and how do you plan to achieve them?

Naturally, we need to ensure the very best results for our learners; the plan is to grow the department and generate a buzz amongst students for studying Business and careers in Business. Strong teaching is part of this, one to one support conversations with students will help grow their confidence and then creative opportunities outside the classroom will enhance Business still further within the vibrant curriculum we have at Heathfield.

How do you stay up to date with current business trends, and how do you integrate them into your teaching?

I read, a lot! I review all resources and update them with current trends and insights, and I encourage my students to read too. This will enrich their writing and our interactions in lessons.

What strategies do you use to develop students’ skills in teamwork, leadership and entrepreneurship, beyond textbook learning?

I tend to do this within task design. Activities will often be competitive, collaborative and developmental and learners get feedback on these aspects as well as on grades. It is important to go beyond the textbook to develop the skills learners will need in their future careers. Giving students responsibilities in the classroom to develop them is another key strategy.

What was your favourite subject when you were at school, and does it influence your teaching style today?

My favourite subjects at school were Business, Geography and English. I love a good debate, and this was a key part of all those subjects. Later in life, I developed a fascination with Psychology, and this has helped me develop strong and positive relationships with students, rooted in mutual respect.

Do you have any personal hobbies or activities that help you recharge after a busy day in the classroom?

I really enjoy sleeping, however with two young children that isn’t always easy! I love Football – although the less said about my team (Everton) the better. Getting and staying fit remains a goal and I enjoy weight-lifting and martial arts.

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We are delighted to congratulate and welcome Liv as our new Head Girl and Sophia and Naomi as Deputy Head Girls. Liv, Sophia and Naomi are the School’s Head Girl Team for the coming year along with all our new House Captains and Prefects.

Thank you to all the students who applied and interviewed for a leadership position. The planning and hard work behind all their impressive presentations were clear to see. Congratulations to the new team and we look forward to seeing the difference they are going to make for their fellow students and the School in the year ahead. 

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Christmas readings were given by representatives from all areas of the School including the Headmaster, the Head Girl and students. These readings outlined the Christmas story and were interspersed with a wide range of carols sung by our Choirs. The Top 12 sang John Leavitt’s arrangement of The Angel Gabriel, and the Senior Choir sang a traditional Heathfield arrangement of Do You Hear What I Hear. Form II sang the poignant Candlelight Carol by Simon Mold, while the Form I Choir sang Glory to God by Beryl Price and the Staff Choir sang the very difficult Robin Highcock arrangement of Personent Hodie. A particular highlight was Star Carol by John Rutter with the flute obbligato parts played by Mima and Mrs Nesbit and the Sussex Carol in David Willcock’s timeless arrangement sung by the joint choirs and accompanied in the last verse by the Orchestra.

The final carol, a rousing rendition of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing rounded off the service and, indeed, the term, whilst the Orchestra’s touching playing of Carol of the Bells by Leontovich sent the congregation home with the excitement of the Christmas Story and the Festive Season foremost in their hearts and minds. 

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The Shakespeare Schools Festival is a cultural education programme that supports young people to perform abridged Shakespeare plays on professional theatre stages. Our students enjoyed the Shakespeare learning experience and performing at South Hill Park, their teamwork and passion shone on stage, and they represented Heathfield impeccably. 

We  received a lovely review from Marcus Bazley of the Shakespeare Schools Foundation which you can read in full here Heathfield School, he said “this was a graceful and magical Midsummer Night’s Dream performed by a mature and committed company” and we couldn’t be prouder.

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After each speaker, the students were encouraged to participate in a question and answer session. These proved very popular, with topics ranging from the budge and the impact of the triple lock on their generation to environmental issues and the overall state of the economy. There were also speakers from respected organisations, including Jamie Rush from Bloomberg, who offered an interesting insight into how emerging economies are expected to develop, with India predicted to become the largest economy in the future. Additionally, Ben Zaranka from the IFS discussed the rise of electric cars and the implications for the car industry.

The conference also featured George Magnus, who examined the impact of China’s state-led model on globalisation, particularly its advancements in technology. However, Mark Littlewood offered a contrasting view, arguing that economic growth requires only around 20% state intervention, using the USA as an example.

The students thoroughly enjoyed the conference, finding the speakers inspiring and the discussions thought-provoking. The experience deepened their understanding of real-world economic issues and will greatly support their studies as they apply these insights to their A Level coursework and exams.

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Visitors enjoyed a wide variety of stalls, from jewellery and cosy jumpers to books and handmade gifts. The four House stalls; Austen, de Valois, Seacole and Somerville, raised funds for their chosen charities, while Santa, fun games a big raffle and the ever-popular Champagne trolley added to the excitement. 

The Brewdolph’s Cafe, expertly run by our wonderful HPA, was a massive hit, raising over £800! It was a wonderful day of community fun and festive spirit. 

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There were also insightful talks by Dr Gemma Birkett on women in the criminal justice system, focusing on the types of crimes women commit, and this topic was further developed by Dr Rachel Seoighe, who introduced students to the issue of abolition. 

Students were particularly intrigued by the statistics presented by Danny Dorling, who explored the extent of inequality in the UK today and in closing, Ellis Cashmore discussed the evolution of celebrity culture, the rise of social media and how these changes continue to shape the identities and experiences of young people today. 

This conference provided students with valuable insights into real-world sociological research and debates, deepening their understanding of key topics such as gender, inequality and culture. The knowledge and perspectives gained will support them in their future studies by strengthening their ability to apply sociological theories to contemporary issues and to think critically about the world around them. 

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Environmental quality and mood mapping surveys were carried out at different locations around the grounds. Students used their data to created colour-coded maps to illustrate their results. The students had a lot of fun trying out new techniques and deepening their understanding of the skills geographers use to investigate the world.

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Her work stood out for its originality, creative energy and powerful storytelling, earning her a well-deserved feature in the publication’s national showcase of emerging artists. You can see her profile on the magazine’s website https://thecirclesofart.co.uk/artists-of-the-month/.

This recognition shines a spotlight on Precious’s growing artistic journey and reflects the dedication she pours into her craft. It’s wonderful to see her talent celebrated on such a platform, a proud moment for her and for all of us cheering her on, well done.

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For context, in 2023 the ISI re-worked their inspection framework. In the past, judgments used were made as to elements being ‘Unsatisfactory’, ‘Sound’, ‘Good’ or ‘Excellent’ – with Heathfield recognised as Excellent in all areas in its last full inspection in 2018. Now schools are inspected against whether each of the five Independent Schools Standards are met or not met.

As such, we are suitably proud that Heathfield was judged to be fully compliant in all five areas. In addition, the report goes further in reflecting Heathfield’s distinctive ethos, unique qualities and offering, as highlighted in the following excerpts:

• “At the heart of its ethos is the tailored provision for all pupils, reflecting its ‘small school, big opportunities’ identity.” 

• “The school strives to support pupils in fulfilling their potential academically, alongside a clear focus on character, community and co-curricular pursuits. The school endeavours to foster confidence and self-belief in all pupils, encouraging them to be happy, healthy and hungry to succeed.” 

• “Pupils are confident yet sensitive. They are courteous, friendly and supportive of one another.”

• “The well-designed curriculum and breadth of co-curricular opportunities provide pupils with a comprehensive and enriching educational experience.”

• “Leaders maintain high aspirations for all pupils, putting pupils’ needs first in their planning and decision-making processes.”

Please click here to read the full report.

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To read the ISI Regulatory Compliance Inspection Report 2022,  please click here.

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