14 October 2022
Dear Parents & Carers,
A very brief update this week and also an opportunity to share some very specific safeguarding advice that we have received, alongside some opportunities for families over half-term that we have been asked to share by the Local Authority.
My first update of the year referenced our hope that this half-term would reflect a much more ‘normal’ experience for members of our school community. That has certainly been true, with students visiting Pompeii this week, preparing for the French study visit next week and participating in a very comprehensive range of sporting, music and extracurricular activities after school. In terms of their personal development, all students are discussing the importance of equality within our community and the need for tolerance. Students are discussing these issues in form periods this week and we are hosting a play, ‘Human Nature’, next week that will allow greater discussion around those themes for younger students. Many young people nationally have experienced difficulties since 2020 and it was heartening on Monday to see so many students and school staff wearing an item of yellow clothing to raise awareness of the importance of good mental health via the ‘Hello Yellow” campaign.
In terms of the aforementioned safeguarding advice, we have been asked by the Local Constabulary to share information about the potential dangers associated with E-Scooters: please click here to read.
Parents have also made us aware of the Network Rail’s You V Train campaign. The advice is intended to be shared with all children who attend any school in close proximity to a railway line.
Finally, the Local Authority have asked us to share the following links relating to half-term events for families and their ‘Fun & Food’ initiative:
Holiday events at the Bowes Museum
Application for ‘Fun & Food’
I will offer an overview of the completed half-term next week and would make one final request to all those who drop and pick their children up from school. Please be very considerate of local residents and do not block their drives or private roads. We are aware that residents have recently contacted the local highways agency and the police due to illegal parking. Please think carefully about how you would respond if people were to behave in this manner near to your home.
Mr O’Sullivan
What is my child learning?
In the Learning section of our website you can find guidance on what every student at the school is studying. As well as an overview of our curriculum and principles behind it, you can find an overview of each subject area. You can also find a guide to the content being covered in every subject and how you can support your child for each half term here: Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 | Year 10 | Year 11 | Year 12 | Year 13
Sixth Form Notices
Please click the link below to read the weekly digest of news and information for Sixth Form Students.
Careers and Guidance Department Notices
Please click here to view this week’s Careers Notices.
Mr Kennedy
Subject Leader, Guidance
PE News
On Monday our Year 8 boys’ basketball team travelled to Emmanuel College for their first game of the season. We started well and took control of the game going on to win 51 - 19.
Also, on Monday our VIth form football team were in Newcastle taking on RGS in the English Schools Cup. This was an excellent match which was close throughout. We eventually reached the second round with a 4 - 3 victory. Owen Davison was POM.
Finally on Monday, our Year 7 girls’ football team made their debut in the national cup with a long journey to Ovingham School. Despite a battling performance, they proved too strong for us winning comfortably in the end.
Football continued on Tuesday, as our Year 8 boys’ team took on Woodham in a league game. Despite creating a large number of chances, we struggled to score, including a missed penalty. We then conceded a late goal to lose 3 - 2.
The Durham City indoor rowing championships took place at Durham City Rowing club on Tuesday. We had over 30 children taking part and we had more winners than all other schools combined. Congratulations to the following who were Area champions: Alexi Dyli, Will Jardine, Fraser Ranns, Will Terry, Sam Terry, Livvy Terry and Linda Matthews.
On Wednesday our Year 9 football team travelled to St Cuthbert's in the Tyneside Cup. This was a high scoring game, as we came out on the wrong end of an 11-goal thriller losing 7 - 4. Our U13 girls’ football team also had a close game as they faced Conyers School in the national cup. We levelled the game at 3 - 3 with only minutes to go but a last-minute goal from Conyers saw us lose an outstanding game played in an excellent spirit. Our Year 11 team were also supposed to be playing. However, St Leonard's had to concede the game, meaning we progress to the next round.
Yesterday was a very busy day as we had football, rugby, netball and tennis fixtures. Our U13 girls’ tennis team left early to make the journey to Leeds for the Northern regional tennis finals. We had a tough draw against Bradford Grammar School. This was an outstanding and close match which we unfortunately lost 4 - 2. We had then hoped to play another consolation match but unfortunately this didn't happen - still a great experience for the girls.
Our Year 7 & 9 football teams were in league action as we hosted Ferryhill. In perfect conditions we played some excellent football. Our Year 7 team won 3 - 0 with Lewis Grieve and Olly Bowman joint POM and our Year 9 team secured a straight-forward 10 - 3 with James Ormerod POM.
We were also hosting the county U13 rugby festival. The best teams from the area took part in a great evening of high-quality rugby. We won our first game against Woodham. The remainder of the tournament was very close, and we are awaiting confirmation of final placings.
Finally, yesterday our netball teams were at home to Parkview in league matches. It was an outstanding evening for us as we achieved the following results:
Year 7 - won 14 - 6 with Grace POM
Year 8 - won 26 - 1 with Mia G POM
Year 9 - lost 6 - 18 with Liv R POM
Year 10 - won 18 - 11 with Libby C POM
Good luck today to our U15 boys’ tennis team who are in Leeds for their regional finals.
Mr Hopper
Subject Leader for PE