School Newsletter

30.01.26

Good afternoon,

As we move further into the academic year, I have been particularly encouraged by the positive attitude shown by our Year 11 students. Many are engaging enthusiastically in their targeted intervention sessions, demonstrating focus, resilience and a clear determination to succeed. These sessions are helping students consolidate key knowledge and build confidence as they prepare for their upcoming examinations, and I would like to commend both students and staff for their commitment and hard work during this crucial period.

Information for Parents/Carers of all years

Chief Executive Officer Chris James has announced that he is retiring at the end of this academic year after 7 years as CEO of Chorus Education Trust and 35 years as a teacher and leader.

“I love going into the schools and feeling the energy and excitement of school life. I am always made to feel welcome by you all. Most of our pupils have no idea who I am, but they are always happy to talk to me and have a laugh. I have always enjoyed my work, and I am still very surprised that I ended up becoming a CEO. Now feels like the right time to start the next phase of my life and fully focus on family and friends.”

The Trustees of Chorus Education Trust have begun the recruitment process to find a new CEO who will embody the values of our school and trust.

We would like to thank Chris for his exceptional leadership and support for our school and our community. We wish him a happy and well-earned retirement.

Year 9 Options Forms

Option forms have been handed out to students with the options booklet. Students need to complete the form in full and hand to their form tutor once complete.

The final deadline for submission of all options forms is Friday 6^th February.

Vapes/Vaping in School

You will know that Vapes are defined as banned items in school. The NHS explain that vaping is not healthy for children and young people. Their developing lungs and brains mean they are more sensitive to its effects. That's why there's a minimum age of sale for vaping products in the UK. It is illegal to sell nicotine vaping products to anyone under 18 or for adults to buy them on behalf of under-18s. We continue to discuss this in school through PSHE and wanted to share this with you so that you can be informed as parents and carers.

We have recently confiscated a small number of vapes and vaping liquid from young people in school. Here is a link to some information from Sheffield Health Vaping: The Facts | Smokefree Sheffield. Please contact at safeguarding@westfield.chorustrust.org if you have any concerns about your own child or others in regard to vaping.

Year 11 Interventions

Intervention sessions have been taking place with good attendance, and these will continue for the rest of this term. After school revision sessions will begin and will appear on your child's Arbor timetable. In some cases, there is a clash between two subjects. This will require a conversation between your child and their teacher to determine which intervention they attend. There will also be lunchtime revision sessions for some subjects which will be advertised by class teachers in lessons.

We encourage all students to continue completing their Sparx home learning and 'fix up tasks' for Maths and Science as the platform is designed to improve a child's result by at least one grade, if completed weekly.

February Half-Term HAF Activities

This February half-term, children and young people in receipt of benefits-related free school meals can enjoy a wide range of fun, enriching activities — from sports and creative activities to outdoor adventures and nutritious meals.

Spaces are limited, so book early at: www.sheffieldhealthyholidays.org

Important: Parents will need their child’s HAF code to book. Lost/misplaced HAF codes can be retrieved by visiting: Report a problem with your HAF Code | Sheffield City Council

Aged 13–16 and at secondary school?

HAF are working in partnership with Everyone Active gyms across Sheffield.

Use your HAF code to unlock unlimited free access to  swim, or ice skating this February half-term! Just fill out this quick form to get your Everyone Active HAF Pass:
https://ea-info.co.uk/HAF-Pass

If you have any questions, please contact the HAF team at hafprogramme@sheffield.gov.uk or call 0114 203 9303 (Mon–Fri, 9:30am–4:00pm).

HAF codes are issued to: 

· children in receipt of benefits related free school meals, from reception to Y11. 

· Looked after children (LAC), from reception to Y11. 

· Child Arrangement Orders (CAO) and Special Guardianship Orders (SGO)

· SEND children in receipt of benefits related FSM up to age 18 years.

Non-FSM children:

The HAF programme offers some flexibility to support children who are not in receipt of benefits-related free school meals but who may have other vulnerabilities. If a child is not eligible but may benefit from attending due to other circumstances, families can visit www.sheffieldhealthyholidays.org  select an area timetable, and contact the relevant activity providers directly to discuss possible access.

Para Badminton

Some of our students have been given a wonderful opportunity to take part in para badminton through Westfield Badminton Club. Our students with disabilities have been invited to attend Westfield School sports hall on Saturdays, 1pm-3pm from 10 January until 25 April, with their first session free. What a great opportunity to develop new skills and gain new friendships. If you have any questions, please contact Lol Morris on 07738 897315 or email lolmorr1s@icloud.com

Lol has a long history with Westfield, helping develop many successful students within the badminton sector.