Behind the scenes at Highfield… You may have spotted cameras around the school this week as a film crew joined us to capture the next chapter in the Highfield story. A story rooted in our past, shaped by our present and united by one future. We can’t wait to show you more. 🎥 #OneHighfield

🚜 Yesterday, our Nursery children took on their biggest adventure yet with a trip to Manor Farm in Southampton, including an hour-long coach journey! For many, this was a brand-new experience and they showed incredible courage from the moment they stepped onto the coach. At the farm, the children fed pigs and chickens, met guinea pigs up close and learned all about caring for animals. They even stepped into the role of farmers for the afternoon, and for a few hours Manor Farm had some very enthusiastic new farmers on its hands! The children represented the school brilliantly and we couldn’t be prouder of them. Judging by the naps on the way home, they had a fantastic time!

Through self-portraits and careful observation, our Year 6 pupils explored the features that make them unique! It was an opportunity to reflect on personal identity and express their authentic selves by noticing the details that make them recognisably themselves. They were encouraged to see their individuality as something to be valued and celebrated, knowing that each person brings something distinctive to the world around them. 🌍 #PrepSchool #IndependentSchool #ArtLesson #SelfPortrait #AuthenticSelf

What could possibly go wrong wearing cricket whites to a science lesson? Armed with measuring cylinders and a healthy dose of curiosity, our Year 6 pupils explored what happens when liquids of different densities meet. Like all good scientists, they were willing to take a risk, knowing that the outcome might not be exactly what they expected, but that is often where the most interesting discoveries begin. Fortunately, the cricket whites made it through the lesson unscathed! 🏏🧪 #PrepSchool #IndependentSchool #Courage #ScienceExperiments #RiskTaking

Year 3 headed out on an orienteering expedition around Queen Elizabeth Country Park and quickly discovered that finding your way around isn’t quite as easy when you can’t ask your phone for directions! Armed with an ordnance survey map, the children had to work out which paths to take, decipher unfamiliar symbols and decide whether that tempting-looking shortcut through the forest was actually a good idea. The children showed great teamwork throughout, helping one another navigate the course and overcome the challenges they encountered. The adventure continued after lunch as the children brought their Science learning to life through a range of hands-on seed dispersal activities. A day of exploration, decision-making and learning that sometimes the best route forward isn’t always the most obvious one.🌲🧭

Rain certainly didn’t dampen the enthusiasm during Year 8 Scholars’ Week! Despite the downpours, pupils embraced the week’s adventures with curiosity and enthusiasm. From exploring the mosaics at Bignor Roman Villa to touring Oxford’s historic colleges, visiting a familiar Harry Potter filming location, and even taking to the waves at Hayling Island, there was plenty to discover along the way. The week also included a fantastic performance of “Frankie Goes to Bollywood”, which had everyone captivated from start to finish. And what better way to end the week than with an ice cream before heading home?

🎵”When the rainy days are dyin’, Gotta keep on, keep on tryin'”🎵 Year 3 mountain biking was… let’s say character-building. Before heading out into our school grounds, the children took part in a skills session covering braking, safe turning, group riding and navigating different terrain. Then we went out. Into the rain. A lot of rain. Cold. Muddy. Understatement of the year. And they were ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. Charlie had his helmet off, ready to retire, suggested he needed a nap to re-energise. Helmet went back on. He kept going. Max’s pedal fell off two minutes in. So he ran the whole 5km course. Often leading the way. And he was joined by two ‘non-riders’ who instead of sitting it out wanted to join in as well. Alba was an absolute superstar, pushing through despite a “very big problem… my thumbs don’t work anymore.” We could not be more proud! #MountainBiking #PrepSchool #OutdoorLearning #Year3 #GrowthMindset #NeverGiveUp #EthicalResponsibility

We’re proud to share that Highfield and Brookham School has submitted a White Paper to the Department for Education. Education for a Changing Society: Human Skills, AI Readiness, and Preparing Learners for the Future of Work sets out our vision for an education system that truly prepares young people for the world they’ll actually enter. Following our Raising the Future conference, which brought together education leaders, employers, tech experts we’re calling for: ✅ Greater focus on communication, critical thinking and collaboration ✅ GCSE reform that reflects real-world skills ✅ A national framework for AI literacy in schools ✅ Clearer guidance on smartphones, online safety and digital wellbeing ✅ Closer partnerships between schools, employers and policymakers Read the White Paper. This is a conversation that affects all of us. We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Would you prefer to live on land or under the sea? That’s the big question Reception are exploring this term but today, the line between the two felt very blurred! Rather than letting the weather dampen their spirits, our incredible little learners did quite the opposite, they headed outside to see just how big a puddle they could make by moving water from all around their outdoor provision! The result? Pure joy, a LOT of water, and some very happy (and soggy) scientists in the making!

Over half term, something very special happened: Mrs Chapman got married! Our Nursery children were absolutely determined to celebrate her in style. They got straight to work: ✅ Crafting a one-of-a-kind wedding dress designed to perfection. ✅ Creating a beautiful, eco-friendly bouquet made entirely from tissue paper flowers. ✅ Baking heart-shaped shortbread biscuits fit for a royal wedding! Watching our youngest pupils pour so much thought, creativity, and care into celebrating someone they love shows exactly the kind of warm, principled young people we are so proud to nurture.

“Measure twice, cut once.” Wise words from Mrs Martin echoing through Year 4s DT lesson. The Romans built some of the most extraordinary structures the world has ever seen and this term, Year 4 are finding out exactly how they did it. At the heart of their learning is the theme: our changing world. Each child is designing and constructing their own Roman aqueduct scale model from scratch, learning to use dovetail saws, bench hooks, and precise measuring techniques along the way. Every aqueduct will then be joined together to put their engineering to the ultimate test: just how far can they transport water?

What did your half term look like? Ours? It was packed with the kind of adventures children talk about for weeks. ✅ Building shelters ✅ Mastering fire-making ✅ Cooking up delicious recipes ✅ Making a splash in the pool ✅ Smashing it on the tennis court ✅ Shooting some hoops ✅ Getting crafty And we cannot wait to do it all over again in the summer. Find out what is coming up next https://highfieldandbrookham.co.uk/school-plus/holiday-activity-clubs/. #HalfTerm #HalfTermActivities #PrepSchool #Surrey #Hampshire

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that our school has received a Gold Award from The Woodland Trust, and what an extraordinary achievement it is! This honour is a true testament to the incredible dedication of our staff, particularly Ryan Underwood (Head of Enrichment), Charlie Millsom (Head of Forest School), and Rebecca Lane (Year 4 Teacher, leading Eco and Wellbeing in the Prep School), as well as our brilliant colleagues across the sports, EYFS, and maintenance teams who have so wholeheartedly embraced our environmental vision. We couldn’t be prouder.