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Phoenix
Autumn 2
December 2023

Latest news from
Meadowhead School

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Click the Christmas card below to see some of our A Level students' festive artwork. 
News Roundup
Staff Farewells
At the end of the Autumn term, we said goodbye and “thank you for making a difference” to two members of staff after many years of service to our school. Anne Childs, an art and textiles teachers, has been an essential part of the school’s distinctive specialism in textiles for the last twelve years. She leaves
Meadowhead for a school closer to home “over the border” in Derbyshire. Alice Hunter, most recently pastoral manager in Year Nine, has spent seven years in two stints sharing her support, kindness and compassion. Alice leaves the school to begin her training as a counsellor.
 
We are sad to see both Ms Childs and Ms Hunter leave but wish them all the very best in their new roles.
A New Era for Meadowhead Careers
This half term, we have said goodbye to the school’s Careers Leader, Cerys Evans, and welcomed Leighton Collins as the new Careers Leader.

We are incredibly grateful for Cerys’ ten years of service as an adviser and seven years as career leader. She has undoubtedly “made a difference” during that time; making Meadowhead a flagship school in the city for careers education and facilitating so many successful applications and outcomes for individual students. As a token of our collective thanks, Sixth Form Student President Eve Palmer-Morris and Vice-President Sam Evans presented Cerys with flowers and a framed certificate as part of her final Sixth Form briefing.
The Student Presidents' Committee
The Student Presidents’ Committee met for the first time this half term with Mr Gardiner, Mr O’Brien, Mr Beigel and Miss Cookson. Students recently elected a President  and Deputy in a closely fought election, along with 10 deputies with specific roles (two Y12 Officers, one Y13 Officer, Mental Health, Women, SEND, Wellbeing, Fundraising,  Enrichment, STEM).

We discussed priorities for the year, including for fundraising, mental health, best use of the Sixth Form space and upcoming social events. It was a fantastic first meeting, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with the Presidents’ Committee to further improve student experience in the Sixth Form.
Mission Christmas
Every year generous members of the public donate Christmas presents to Mission Christmas and they, in turn, are kind enough to give a donation of presents to Meadowhead. The presents are wrapped and distributed to the Heads of Year and Pastoral Managers who give them out to our most vulnerable students who are at risk of not receiving anything this year. As always, we are incredibly grateful for the support of Mission Christmas.
Y7 Bookbuzz
Our Y7s have been excited to be getting their hands on their chosen Bookbuzz book this half term, and have been getting stuck into reading straightaway! As a school we buy into this scheme from Book Trust to give each Y7 a book for them to keep and to encourage reading for pleasure.
Y7s Take To The Kitchen
Y7s have been enjoying their Food Technology lessons this term, learning valuable skills for life and making tasty dishes such as pasta salad and bread.
Anti-Bullying Week
Our students had a lovely day wearing odd socks to mark Anti-Bullying Week.
Talk from the Linacre Institute
There was a fantastic turnout of Y12 students to a talk from the Linacre Institute, a local organisation which supports students in applying to the most competitive and prestigious universities; previous students following the programme have been accepted onto courses at Oxford, Cambridge and Russell Group universities.

Meadowhead Sixth Form's partnership with the Linacre Institute is part of an ongoing support package for our highest attaining students, to inspire students to aspire to the most competitive courses and universities. 
Apprenticeship talk from Alumni
Former Meadowhead student Harry came back and spoke to our Sixth Form students at the start of this half term. Harry shared his degree apprenticeship journey, which students found extremely informative and inspiring.
Discussion of Conflict – Israel and Palestine
During this half term Meadowhead students have received a presentation in assembly from Mr Sheppard, Assistant Headteacher, that gave advice about discussing the topic, learnt about the origins of the conflict from their history teacher, and have received the latest information as part of their In the News form time slot.

The assembly sessions began with the words of Choman Hardi, Kurdish poet: “this is the day for love”, and shaped by that sentiment, in each session, we have sought to provide a safe and calm space to understand more about the conflict and to share their own feelings. Each session has begun with clear ground-rules to ensure every student feels able to participate. We thank our students for their mature and sensitive attitudes during these sessions as we seek to help them make sense of issues from around the world.
‘My life and education both do learn me How to respect you.’
A level English Lit students enjoyed an online lecture from noted academic Dr Tom Rutter, from the School of English at the University of Sheffield. The discussion of race in early modern England helped to open up new perspectives as well as reinforce content covered in Othello lessons.
See our website to read more on this
Duke of Edinburgh Launch
Duke of Edinburgh has been launched this half term for our Y10 students and Y12 students. We look forward to seeing their amazing excursions and achievements.
Mock Crime Scene
Y12 students on the BTEC Level 3 Forensic and Criminal Investigation course did a fantastic job investigating their mock crime scene as part of their assignment.
Sixth Form Open Evening
Thanks to everyone that came to our busiest ever Sixth Form Open Evening – we loved showing current and new students around the facilities and showcasing our broad curriculum offer. Applications are now open: Sheffield students will be supported to apply via Sheffield Progress by their current school. 
Y13 Mock Interviews were a huge success
100% of students found the process to be very or extremely useful, and 98% indicated it helped build their interview confidence. Students commented ‘I enjoyed the interview and feel as though it prepared me well for future employment.’ ‘The interviewer provided me with a good insight into the future of work and what to start working on now.’

Employers commented 'Thank you for the feedback and the opportunity to support. I must confess, having coincidentally run a few interviews for actual posts at work since this event I can fairly and genuinely say that your students were incredibly impressive and would do well against a benchmark of many of the professionals I have interviewed this last two days. Really very impressive, confident students.' Matt, HSE Science Division

'I was very impressed by the students I saw on the day; they are a credit to your school. Many would make very good candidates to enter our workforce.' Michael, Sheffield Health and Social Care.

Special thanks to the employers, you make important experiences like this possible! Opportunity Sheffield, Department of Education, Nottingham Trent University, HLM Architects, Sheffield United Community Foundation, EQUANS-Group, Wates, Sheffield Health and Social Care, Gripple Limited, Bloomsbury, Hallam Land Management Limited, University of Lincoln, Henry Boot PLC, Ministry of Justice, HSE Science Division, Virgin Money.
Meadowhead's Christmas Elves Working Hard
Y10 Design Technology Students have been busy making festive decorations to sell at the Christmas Fair to help us raise as much money as possible for St Luke's - Sheffield's Hospice.
GCSE Certificate Evening
On Thursday 30th November, we formally celebrated the achievements of our Y11 leavers at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel. It was great to see such a good number of students and families there. As well as receiving their hard-earned GCSE Certificates, students heard inspirational words from Matt Richards, Meadowhead alumnus and Managing Director of Air TV, and from Ms Woodward. Special thanks go to Mr Cooper, Lexi Walker and Lisa Okunwague Blessing for presenting the presentation, and helping to make it such a fantastic evening.
A Level Certificate Evening
On Thursday 14th December, we welcomed back last year’s Y13 students for an informal celebration of their outstanding results. It was fantastic to see so many students and their families, and brilliant for teachers and tutors to chat with them about their next steps after Sixth Form, whether that was to university, into an apprenticeship, directly into a career, or onto a Gap Year. As well as enjoying some Christmas treats, students heard from Ms Robinson and Mr Gardiner and collected their well-deserved certificates. Well done Y13s, and please keep in touch!
Trips this half term
Our Manifesto, Our Future NUS event
In November, Eve and Sam (our Student President and Vice President) attended the NUS ‘Our Manifesto, Our Future’ event at Sheffield Students’ Union. They discussed manifesto design and student engagement methods with leaders of students’ unions from universities around the country, as well as hearing from local MPs and university staff.
Y12 Geography taster at Sheffield Hallam
Y12 Geography students had the pleasure of visiting Sheffield Hallam where they took part in workshops to develop their understanding of some key topics such as glaciation and sustainable living. It also gave students the opportunity to investigate what studying geography and earth science would be like at university level. Thank you Sheffield Hallam University for facilitating a fantastic opportunity for our students.
‘The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear’
On Tuesday 19th December, our sixth form students were treated to a film at The Showroom Cinema. The trip was organised by our Presidents’ Committee to reward students for their excellent efforts this term.  The students voted on which Christmas film they wanted to watch and the winner was Elf! A lovely end to a challenging yet enjoyable first term of the school year. We believe in celebrating all of our students’ successes in the Sixth Form – as Buddy says, there’s room for everyone on the Nice List!
Spotlight on our Alumni
GCSE Certificate Evening Guest Speaker
Former Meadowhead student, Matt Richards presented the GCSE Certificate Evening on Thursday 30th November. Matt now runs one of the largest TV production companies in the north of England. Air TV is the award-winning company behind a string of hit shows including Helicopter ER, Bangers & Cash, 999 Rescue Squad, Warplane Workshop and Derelict Rescue. Their shows are on air around the world.
Click here to read more about Matt on our website
Former Meadowhead student Jay Abudu made his full debut for Chesterfield. He helped his team win 6-1 in the FA Trophy 🏆
A fantastic achievement at only 17 years old and hopefully many more to come. 
Well done Jay. We are really proud of you and all the hard work you put in. 
Student Achievements 
Diamond and Double Diamond Awards
In November we enjoyed celebrating students in Y8-Y11 who have received their Diamond and Double Diamond Awards! This event is all about recognizing students hard work, effort, talent and good deeds – as a school, we strive to ensure these never go unnoticed. In particular, the diamond awards recognize a select group of students who have been successful over a number of months and years. Students who have achieved 500 combined reward points received a diamond award. Students who have achieved a combined total of 1000 reward points receive a double diamond award. Families were able to watch the celebration online.
Head students scoop prizes at Sheffield Youth Voice Awards
Last year’s co-head students Lexi Walker and Lisa Okunwague Blessing have been recognized at a Sheffield-wide ceremony that celebrates the impact that students have made in their community. Lisa won an award as part of a team of young people who created the Be That Mate video to tackle sexual harassment, whereas Lexi was shortlisted as Campaigner of the Year for her work to save the Bradway School Bus.
We are incredibly proud of the impact that both students made as leaders last year and we continue to benefit as community from their efforts during their time in the Sixth Form.
Music Night Performance
Eva in Y12 performed at The Steel Cauldron during a Harry Potter themed afternoon.
Eva is studying Music A-Level at Meadowhead and performed at our Y6 Open Evening and Sixth Form Open Evening with much acclaim. She is using her music skills to perform in public too, creating her own music, using her voice, guitar and keyboard. Well done Eva!
Interviews for Oxford, Cambridge, Veterinary Sciences and Primary Education
Congratulations to our largest ever group of Y13s who have secured interviews for courses at Oxford and Cambridge, and for Veterinary Sciences and Primary Education. All completed mock interviews in school, in preparation for their real interviews. Good luck to James, Isaac F, Evie, Harry, Isaac H, Darisha, Hatty, Sam, Daniel, Alex and Jessica.
The Makaton club signing for the Christmas fair
The Makaton club made their first outing this half term, signing one of the songs that the amazing school choir sang at the Christmas Fair. It was so cool to see our students doing this! Not all of the club wanted to perform, but the ones that did smashed it.
Success for Y12 students working with universities
Congratulations to 10 Meadowhead Sixth Form students who have been selected to follow ‘Access to Sheffield’ and ‘SHU Transform’ programmes by our colleagues at both of Sheffield’s universities. These courses allow students to experience university life, develop key skills for study, work and life, and make connections with academics and with other students. We are very proud that our students have gained places on these fantastic programmes, which is testament to their hard work, academic commitment and enthusiasm, and will undoubtedly enhance their applications for degree courses. Students will be following programmes in Medicine, Law, Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, STEM, and Business. Well done to all for being such excellent candidates!
Fundraising
Staff and Sixth Form Quiz Night
We enjoyed our first Staff and Sixth Form Quiz Night this half term with students and staff in full fancy dress! We raised an amazing £229.31 for St Luke's Hospice and £229.31 for Teenage Cancer Trust . Congratulations to the science department who are reigning champions. Thank you to everyone who supported the evening and special thanks to our resident quiz master, Mr Ridley.
Wear it Pink Day bake sale
Sixth Form students raised an amazing £207.68 for Breast Cancer Now at their Wear it Pink Day bake sale! Congratulations to all involved!
Walk for Weston Park
Last half term our staff took part in a charity walk for Weston Park and Weston Park Cancer Charity in memory of our lovely colleague, Debbie, and raised over £5,000. You can still donate to this cause below:
Read about the walk and donate here
Another successful Christmas Fair
Our final behaviour focus of the term is for students to “Be the Light” and make a difference through seasonal goodwill and generosity. This was very much in evidence at Meadowhead’s very busy Christmas Fair earlier in December. The fair featured over fifty stalls, musical performances and even a chance to visit Santa. It raised almost £1500 for St Luke’s Hospice.
Thanks to all our student volunteers, to the families and members of the community who attended, and to the local businesses, who together made it such a successful event.
Sixth Form - Reverse Advent Calendar
Our Sixth Form students have continued the tradition of running reverse advent calendars to collect donations of food and other products for Grace Food Bank. Our students have provided many items for the charity, which were collected by members of staff from Grace Food Bank. Thank you to all who donated. 
Christmas Accessory Day!
Students helped to raise more money for St Luke's Hospice by donating a £1 to wear a Christmas accessory on the last day of term. 
Upcoming Events
Y9 Options
After Christmas, year 9 students will be starting the process of choosing their courses for next year. They will receive a Courses Booklet to help them research subjects alongside assemblies and the Options Evening for them and their parents. After February half term, students will have an interview with a senior member of staff to submit their option choices.
In addition to the core subjects, Maths, English and Science, students will have four options choices (one of which has to be a humanities subject: history or geography).
 
Timeline:
January 18th 4:30-7:00pm Option Information Evening
February 29th 4:30 – 6:30pm Parents’ Evening
February 19th – March 8th Interview with a senior member of staff to submit option choices.
May Deadline for parents to validate choices.
 
You can find out more information on our website including subject videos, courses booklet, career information. Click below to find out more.
Y9 Options Information
Tickets on sale from Monday 8th January via the My School Portal.
Limited availability. 
Sports Clubs
Has your child enjoyed a sport in PE lessons and wants to join a local club? Or is interested in taking a sport they like to the next level? Check out our handy list of local Sheffield sports clubs on the school’s website below:
Sheffield Sport Clubs
If you are a club volunteer and you want us to add your club to this list to promote to our students, please click the button below to send us an email:
Email us here

Children's University Passport to Learning Newsletter

Please take a look at the Christmas edition of the Children's University (CU) Passport to Learning newsletter, which contains information about activities taking place across the city in the Christmas holidays – from the Winter Reading Challenge, pantomimes, trails, Santa's Study, arts and crafts, literacy, gaming, coding, climbing, multi-sports, and more. 
Find more information on our website by clicking here
See the full newsletter here
The Big Ambition Survey
The Children’s Commissioner for England has recently launched ‘The Big Ambition’ to hear directly from children, young people and parents across the country.

We want to hear from all children, in every part of the country and in every setting. This is your chance to tell key policymakers what is important to you ahead of the general election. Take part now and ensure your needs are reflected in the decisions that will affect you in years to come.
Find more information and complete the survey here
Find out more about The Children's Commissioner here

You're not alone - Kooth is still available to access during the Winter holiday period.If you or someone you know needs extra mental wellbeing support during the holiday season, Kooth are here.
Visit Kooth's website to find out more
Whats on Guide - Winter 24
Supporting Families Newsletter - December
Click below for more information and sources of support.
Cost of Living Sessions
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Our mailing address is:
Dyche Lane, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S8 8BR
enquiries@meadowhead.sheffield.sch.uk






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Meadowhead School Academy Trust · Dyche Lane · Sheffield, South Yorkshire S8 8BR · United Kingdom