Newfield school - what can you tell me about it? - Page 3

JonMMUK · 05-11-2004, 12:39

I went to Newfield as well, and I have to say when I was there (1987-1992) it was pretty alright. Newfield and Gleadless Valley merged after I left, of course, so I don't know what it's like nowadays... one of the really good things about Newfield from my point of view were the grounds - big, open grass areas for football pitches and stuff... the woods close by.

Jon

happygirl · 06-11-2004, 14:59

Anyone out there who attended Newfield School until 1986, if so what are u doing now? Any stories?

shera · 06-11-2004, 15:19

Try 'friends reunited' website i'm sure you'll find loads of people from your year have posted on there.

www.friendsreunited.co.uk

happygirl · 06-11-2004, 19:20

My son goes to newfield, I certainly will not be sending my daughter!

jay_oscar · 08-11-2004, 18:02

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jay_oscar · 08-11-2004, 18:04

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KYeates · 10-11-2004, 08:05

I am very sad that you have felt it necessary to post your message. Come in and talk with me about what you feel we need to do to put things right. without this feedback we are unable to properly judge the expectations of parents.
We have established a regular termly Parents' Forum for you and other parents to meet with me and representatives from the Governing body. this is open to all parents and your views will be most welcome.

KYeates · 14-03-2005, 09:47

Last week we had a meeting for people in the local community to tell us their concerns and how they feel they and we can work together to improve the school. Most of those who came had positive things to say, although there are some who carry angst as there have been incidents in near streets, in some of which our students have had a hand. I say "some" as we cannot always identify the culprits, but when we can we respond vigorously - often to the annoyance of their parents. In others we have identified the culprits as belonging to other schools, no longer in school, or excluded from various schools.

It is through our meeting that we can get the messages clear from us to you and you to us.

Please feel free to write to me at any time, either at the school or by e-mail on headteacher@newfield.sheffield.sch.uk

We want to improve - we are working to improve - we are improving!

Norton · 14-03-2005, 16:32

Well, I went to Newfield (1997-2002) and my younger brother is still there. I must say, I think a lot of the comments on this thread are unfounded.

When we moved on from primary school, many parents refused to send their children to Newfield, preferring Meadowhead because it was apparently a better school. Newfield may have had its nutters but, from speaking to some ex-students, it sounds like Meadowhead had its fair share too.

I never had any problems at Newfield even though our form group had a reputation for unruly behaviour. These kids were soon moved forms and seperated and if they still refused to behave, were kicked out of the school (and most ended up at Abbeydale Grange).

Those with particular difficulties were given extra support and those who were expected to highly achieve at GCSE, were also pushed so they achieved their best.

So what if the buildings are old? Surely it's the teaching that matters? Anyway, the school is being rebuilt next year apparently.

Newfield didn't do me any harm- I'm currently studying the first year of a law degree.

pammy · 16-03-2005, 13:29

I went to Newfield and hated it and both my children have gone to Westfield - my son left last year and did really well and my daughter loves it there and also doing well. People run it down but a new building is being built on Eckington Way next door to Direct Cars.

bladesgirl · 17-03-2005, 06:14

i went to newfield 1996-2001(when Mr Cockburn

was headteacher) it was ok realy, some behaviour was poor but i suppose you get that everywhere .. i did quite well in my GCSEs 8 A-Cs

i would have reommended it then, but not sure how it is now!!

sanhan65 · 17-03-2005, 15:42

I just wanted to put your fears to rest regarding Newfield School. My son left last year to go to college - a grade A student in the gifted and talented programme.

My daughter is still there, aged 15, she is also in the gifted and talented programme. The school have taken both my children as far as they can go as regards to their education. A few years ago my daughter was bullied by some older girls and within days the school had put a stop to it and she hasn't had any problems since.

I would rate the school very highly - they have really helped both my children.

Shiesh · 25-03-2005, 23:40

My kids will go to Newfield - I have no concerns & my in-laws are Sheffield teachers - they have no concerns !!

Every school had it's 'rough crowd' but if the kids you send want to learn and not disrupt... I feel sure they will be ok!!

sezemeseeds · 30-03-2005, 11:20

Newfield School is the worse. My son goes and although a very bright clever lad he is one of the lads, joking and laughing in class when should be working. Had meeting with Headmaster, promised this that and the other, nothing doing. Had to chase up for help. finally got a mentor to talk with my son, but nothing that was promised came to light. Might as well have banged my head against a wall. I went to All Saints. Lot better school than Newfield. My son is taught values at home only for Newfield School to disregard any values whatsoever. Tell him he has to wear uniform only to see other kids wearing whatever. No discipline, no rules! Was told by Headmaster teachers not even allowed to give out lines anymore!

Went to meeting re: choices for GSCEs and were told that kids need not bother thinking what they want to do when they leave school just to pick subjects they would enjoy for next 2 years. ALL WRONG. They need to be thinking bout future. ITs a cold harsh world out there, competitive and hard. They need to be taught that hard work pays off not sitting on back side laughing about with mates. System all wrong.

The school has no morals. Other parents I know having same kind of trouble with the school.

espadrille · 31-03-2005, 10:29

I agree it is a hard world and that kids should be taught that from an early age, if they want things from life, theyhave to work.
What is the alternative?
A dead end job that has no prospects and thay they will be bored in for the rest of their lives.
Schools have a responsibility to get kids to change their attitudes to life and and put the amount of work in that is necessary to get where they want to be

Norton · 01-04-2005, 11:53

Quote:

Originally posted by sezemeseeds
Went to meeting re: choices for GSCEs and were told that kids need not bother thinking what they want to do when they leave school just to pick subjects they would enjoy for next 2 years. ALL WRONG. They need to be thinking bout future.

Having left college last year and going to University, I can honestly say that my choice of GCSE didn't really affect my college or University course. My degree course simply required a certain set of grades at A-level, no restrictions on the subjects these grades were acquired in.

Unless the college course or further education institute requires certain GCSEs, what's the problem with your child choosing subjects which they are going to enjoy and therefore, possibly get better grades in? All the subjects teach different learning skills which can only broaden your child's education.

All the college requirements are usually in the key subjects of English, Maths and Science and these have to be taught anyway.

I wouldn't worry so much about the GCSEs taken, but how well your child does in their chosen GCSEs- it's this that makes the difference.

An A* is an A* no matter what subject it's in and your child can't really go far wrong with the choices on offer.

Having said that, some subjects offer more revision guidance. The Modern Foreign Languages (I did French and German) and History departments were great come exam time. I don't know how much things have changed though.

Good luck to your child in the Summer of the exams- I can throughly sympathise

sezemeseeds · 01-04-2005, 16:54

Education is very fustrating for us as parents. We want the best for our children but the school does not seem to care. I understand that they have hundreds of pupils but surely their aim is for better education for all pupils. One parent I know said she had no problem with Newfield school. Her son gets on great. But then again he is on the school football team.

My son's class were told that if they leave school at 16 they could get a job in a retail store and would get paid £250 per week. In what world is that then? A 16 year old getting paid that much, probably if they work every day for 16 hours.

We discussed getting a private tutor if and when the time arises for GCSE's. I don't want my son to struggle for a living or to go without. I want him to have a comfortable life. He has that now but it has took a long hard struggle on my part to get him there.

Hopefully, he will go to university. I pray he will. A life away from home will give him freedom and independence. A good start in life and hopefully a good job at the end of it.

komal · 04-04-2005, 17:05

I absolutely hate it

did anyone esle go?

Reidstar · 04-04-2005, 19:37

I used to go. Is Mr Price (Chewbacca) still there?

367squadron · 04-04-2005, 20:21

Quote:

Originally posted by Reidstar
I used to go. Is Mr Price (Chewbacca) still there?

Yeh he is still there! Why do you hate it so much?