School Newsletter

13.11.2026

Good afternoon,

It has been another busy and positive week at Westfield. It was lovely to see so many parents and carers at our Year 8 Parents' Evening last night. Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend and meet with staff to discuss their child's progress and how they are settling into the year.

Earlier in the week, we also took time to mark Remembrance Day. I was extremely proud of the way all our students showed respect and observed the two-minute silence. It was a fitting tribute and a reminder of the importance of remembering those who have served and sacrificed so much.

As always, there is plenty to share in this week's newsletter, and I hope you enjoy reading about some of the activities and achievements taking place across the school.

Information for Parents/Carers of all years

Attendance Matters at Westfield School

Thank you as always with your support with helping us to maintain high levels of attendance daily.

Last week we saw our attendance fall due to illness and holidays. We are delighted to inform you that levels have started to pick up this week, and we are moving back towards the standard prior to October half term.

In assemblies this week we have been celebrating this with students as we take time to reward the winners of our ‘October Attendance Challenge’ as well as take the opportunity to discuss why attendance is key to academic progress and learning. We have also shared with students the focus of our half term two attendance rewards.

As well as celebrating those who maintain 100% attendance, and those who make the greatest improvements, we have also set a target for the whole school to better the attendance percentage that was achieved for the same period last year. If we can do this, and the figures are currently favourable, we will be holding a non-uniform day on Friday 18th December. A great way to end the first term and recognise the hard work of our young people.

With this in mind, I am informed that the new version of Grand Theft Auto will be released on the 19th of November. Please support us to ensure that this is not a reason for absence on this day or subsequent ones.

Thank you for your ongoing support. We are here to support you and your child with their attendance. Please contact us if you have any questions or need any help.

Odd sock day Monday 16th November

On Monday 16th November, students are encouraged to wear odd socks to school to show support of the start of anti-bullying week.

Anti-bullying week takes place from Monday 16th - 20th November. The theme this year is 'break the silence' encouraging young people and adults to start conversations about bullying, overcoming barriers to asking for help and taking action.

Students will be taking part in activities during form time (PDT Personal development time) next week, alongside an assembly from their Head of Year.

More information and support can be found here: Anti-Bullying Week

Book Swap Event

Flyer giving details of a book swap event in school

Good news stories

The Year 11 Drama students had a wonderful trip to the Lyceum Theatre in Sheffield to watch the award-winning play The Mousetrap.

The students absolutely loved the atmosphere, suspense and excitement of the performance, and thoroughly enjoyed trying to work it out and uncover the mystery!

We were very proud to hear such lovely feedback from members of the public, who approached our staff to comment on how much the students were a credit to our school. They praised the students for being so respectful, polite and well-behaved throughout the trip.

Thank you, Mr Hughes, for your support on the day.

Cross Country Team Take on Bradfield

On Saturday, our cross-country team headed to Bradfield School, on the edge of the Peak District. Usually known for its heavy rain and strong winds, the team were treated to clear skies and dry weather for this latest event!

The challenging course was hilly and muddy, but everyone performed brilliantly, achieving some personal bests and strong finishing positions. A special mention goes to Eliza in Year 7, who secured an impressive 13th place in a large field of Year 7 girls. George, Henry and Ezra also put in great performances, finishing in the 40s, 50s and 60s respectively.

Well done to everyone who has represented Westfield at cross country events so far this year!

There are just two more opportunities to compete this year, with races taking place at Norfolk Park on 21 November and Graves Park on 12 December.

If you are interested in taking part, please speak to a member of the PE department. We look forward to seeing you on race day, with registration from 9am and the first race starting at 10am.

Our biggest DofE Bronze cohort yet, and our highest completion rate to date! What an achievement!

This week, we were incredibly proud to celebrate our amazing DofE Bronze cohort by presenting students with their well-deserved certificates!

This has been our biggest Bronze cohort to date, achieving our highest completion rate so far – a fantastic reflection of the students' commitment, enthusiasm and determination throughout their journey.

From giving back to the local community through volunteering, developing new skills, exploring new places and challenging themselves physically, to demonstrating outstanding teamwork, resilience and enthusiasm during their expedition, our students have truly embraced everything the award has to offer.

A huge thank you also goes to all our parents and carers who have worked alongside staff to support students throughout their DofE journey. Whether organising lifts and pick-ups, helping students prepare for their expeditions or even volunteering as taste-testers for their culinary creations, your time, effort and encouragement have made a real difference. We are incredibly grateful for your contribution!

We hope this experience has been the beginning of a journey that inspires our students to raise their aspirations, embrace new challenges and recognise just what they can achieve.

We are already looking forward to welcoming even more students to the DofE programme next year and making it another fantastic year!