17 February 2023
Dear Parents & Carers,
A very brief update this week. I have shared information about the next proposed date for industrial action on 28th February and the additional dates in March 2023 so that you are fully aware if action goes ahead. I wrote to all parents yesterday and would like to apologise for a reference to 1st February, as opposed to 28th February 2023. That letter can be accessed here:
Parental Update on Strike Action
It has been a busy and successful half-term and it has been encouraging to see Year 7 and 12 students who joined us in September fully settling in, Year 10 students getting into their stride through a second term of study, and Year 11 and 13 completing their courses and preparing for GCSE and A Level examinations. We have important information evenings next half-term and students will complete additional mock examinations. Year 9 are just about to finalise their options and Year 8 are now well established.
I will write with a detailed overview of the term ahead and some of our other plans on Friday 3rd March. Please note that we will also be raising money in March for those affected by recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. As you would expect, our students are keen to help those currently struggling in terms of living conditions and the awful loss of life experienced in both countries.
Have a good half-term.
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
These will be updated over the half term break for the coming term.
Safer School Parking
We have been asked to share the following letter and reminders from Durham County Council’s Road Safety Team following complaints from our neighbours about parking in the vicinity of the school.
Please click here to read the letter.
Year 9 Vaccinations
Please click here for information on how you can consent for your Year 9 child to receive the Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio (Td/iPV) and Meningitis ACWY (Men ACWY) vaccination on Thursday 30th March 2023.
Fun and Food February Half Term
We have been asked to share the following message from Durham County Council’s Children and Young People’s Service:
February half term is just around the corner, and we are super excited about all of the wonderful Fun and Food activities with healthy food that are on offer across County Durham. Activities are now being loaded onto our Fun and Food landing page at this link. We will be uploading more activities daily so keep visiting to see what's new!
Sixth Form Bank of England Talk
On Thursday, we were delighted to welcome back another two ex-pupils to speak with Sixth Form students considering careers at the Bank of England or as Economists or Lawyers. Amy and Gareth spoke about their roles as a Lawyer and Field Economist and fielded some outstanding questions from our students. Thank you to the Bank of England; it was inspiring and informative.
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Mr Everett
Social Sciences Department
Future Business Magnates
Our Year 8 FBM Team are making great strides with their ideas and product development. This week we were lucky enough to have two experts with us, Professor Pal from Durham University, to advise us on medical technology and all things science and Mr. Neely a marketing executive who really made us think about branding, target market and design. The team continues to go from strength to strength, they are innovative with their ideas and mature in their thought process - perfect combination. A real asset to the school!
Our next challenge is in March - good luck team!
Miss Forbes
Subject Leader for Business & Computing
Breakfast of Champions!
Our "Breakfast of Champions" rewards mornings have been in full swing this week! Three students from each form were nominated by their tutors to receive a breakfast and a few treats from us as a thank you. We wanted to celebrate our young people and the positive impact they have on our community. The awards were for a variety of reasons, house points, helping others, overcoming tough challenges and giving back (a real theme for our House System as a whole). Congratulations to all our winners, it really has been lovely to reward and spend time with them this week!
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Miss Forbes
Senior Teacher, the House System
Careers and Guidance Department Notices
Please click here to view this week’s Careers Notices.
Mr Kennedy
Subject Leader, Guidance
Music Notices
Samling Academy 2023/2024
Following our highly successful workshop with the Samling Institute for Young Artists, singers aged 14 or over are invited to apply for the Samling Academy 2023/2024. There are no specific music grade requirements, but it is expected that those applying to Samling Academy already have some classical singing experience, either through individual lessons, choirs or school musical productions. Those invited to audition will be asked to perform three pieces from memory, including one in a language other than their own. More information about the scheme and the application process can be found at this link.
Stage & Screen Concerts - Wednesday 29th and Friday 31st March
Weekly rehearsals continue for our forthcoming concerts. Please put the concert dates above in your diary if your child is a member of any of our performing ensembles.
Wednesday 29th - Wind Band, Junior Orchestra, Big Band, Junior Choir & Soloists
Friday 31st - Senior Choir, Chamber Choir, Senior Orchestra & Soloists
Auditions for soloists for these concerts will be held on Tuesday 7th March between 2.45 and 3.45 in MU2, and tickets for both concerts will go on sale from Monday 6th March in the Music Department priced £4.00 (£2.00 concessions).
Mr E Holmes
Subject Leader for Music
PE News
On Monday, our Year 8 boys’ football team faced St Joseph's in the County Cup. We started slowly and were 3 - 1 down before a fightback saw us level the game at 3 - 3 and take the game to extra time. Unfortunately, we conceded again to lose 4 - 3.
Also on Monday, our U15 girls' futsal team were at Hurworth competing in the regional finals. After an excellent evening of high-quality futsal, we finished in 3rd place - a great achievement.
On Tuesday, our U13 girls’ cricket team were at the Beacon of Light taking part in the Area finals. After only losing one game, we finished runners-up in our group and took on Yarm B in the semi-final. Unfortunately, they proved too strong for us. However, it was better news in the 3rd / 4th play-off as we beat St Bede's.
Also on Tuesday, our Year 8 basketball team took on Dame Allan's in the Tyneside final. The game was close in the first half. However, they took control in the second half going on to win by over 20 points. Well done for finishing runners-up.
Our Year 9 boys’ football team were due to play St Leonard's in the County Cup but they conceded so we now progress to the next round.
Finally on Tuesday, our Year 7 & 8 netball teams travelled to Hermitage for league games. The Year 7 game was very close as we fought back to win 11 – 9, with Grace Clark player of the match. The Year 8 was much more one-sided as we won 28 – 0, with Verity Ranns player of the match.
On Wednesday, our Year 10 boys’ football team were playing in the County Cup quarter finals against English Martyrs. We produced an outstanding first half performance to lead 3 - 0. However, we struggled in the second half as the game finished 4 - 4. Extra time couldn't separate the teams, so penalties were needed. Unfortunately, we missed one to lose 5 - 4. Alex Graham was player of the match.
Also on Wednesday, our Year 11 futsal team were at Easington taking part in the regional finals. They lost 4 - 2 to the hosts to finish runners-up. Overall, the team finish as Area Champions and 2nd in the region.
Yesterday our sportshall athletics teams were at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre for the county finals. It was a dominant display by all three teams as our Year 7 boys, Year 8 boys and Year 8 girls all won to become County Champions.
Mr Hopper
Subject Leader for PE