13th November 2025

Welcome to our weekly bulletin,

This week has involved all kinds of confidence, ambition and respect.

We have been very busy...

Watching pipelines being dug out

The site has changed shape again this week with safety barriers now in place around what will be the foundations of our new building.

Discussions around furniture have taken place to agree what is being taken from the old building and what is being purchased for the new one and as we await the framework being delivered we are looking forward to seeing the structure emerge from the ground.

It has been a wet and windy week for our building team and we must say thank you to Jeff who keeps us all safe as we move to and from school. His team greet us with a smile and a wave every morning no matter what the weather is doing.

Remembering with respect and gratitude

As part of our Remembrance Day activities our students showed great respect during a very special service.

Brooke and Harriet read commemorative poetry, Harvey and Grace represented the Armed Forces, Mr Kenmure led our whole Academy two minute silence via a live Google Meeting so all classrooms could watch the service at the same time and Mr Clarke ensured that everyone in the building could hear and see the Last Post so we could take some private reflection time.

In a world with much intolerance and prejudice, Durham Academy showed once again that we are united in our fundamental British values of mutual respect, individual liberty and tolerance.

Raising money for Children in Need

A huge thank you to all Faculty areas and the School Council who ran lunchtime challenges today.

Lunchtime may have been a wash out as far as the weather goes but inside it was awash with FUNdraising and laughter.

Students were given the opportunity to challenge themselves in each area of school and donate 25p (or any spare change) to get involved.

From fun with flags to a murder mystery, Pudsey would be very proud of our school community this afternoon.

Promoting Careers

New Free Webinar Series: ‘In Conversation’ with Industry Professionals

InvestIN has launched a new series of free webinars led by industry professionals for students and parents. From medicine to engineering, each webinar will help your child prepare for the next steps after school and provide inspiration for their future career.

The professional will answer your questions live, share their experiences and offer tips and guidance for students seeking a career in the industry.

The events are suitable for all students in Years 10-13, whether they are beginning to explore their options or preparing applications. Parents are also encouraged to attend alongside their child.

Here is the webinar schedule:

Monday November 6pm (UK Time)

Creative Design: In Conversation with Billie Sky Walker
Psychology: In Conversation with Vicky McKechnie

Tuesday 18th November 6pm (UK Time)

Law: In Conversation with Sophy Lelliot
Investment Banking: In Conversation with Rob Angel
Digital Media: In Conversation with Karl Mok

Wednesday 19th November 6pm (UK Time)

Entrepreneurship: In Conversation with Rahmon Agbaje
Engineering: In Conversation with Bhavik Bhatt
Medicine: In Conversation with Dr Obaid Syed

All sessions are free to attend online. If you can’t join live, you can still register to receive the recording.

Free webinars_ In Conversation with Industry Professionals.pdf

Visiting a Careers Event

Y9-11 student's attended Durham County Councils Public Sector careers fair where they received talks from Durham County Council, the NHS, Police, Ambulance & Fire services.

They shared information about a lot of the background roles as well as the front line services. Students were given the chance to practice their CPR skills and Abdominal thrusts action to save someone from choking.

Thank you to Mr Talbot for organising this.

Reminding you about Year 10 exams

Year 10 Parents and Carers have been sent their child's timetable this week but just in-case you have missed this, here is another copy.

Please ensure that your child is fully prepared for each exam and has had a good night's sleep before each day.

If you have any questions about the exams please contact Mrs Willis or Mrs Anderson.

STUDENT Year 10 Mock - Timetable.pdf

Celebrating work of the week

Every Wednesday we identify and celebrate some of the best work of the week. Mr Clarke had the pleasure of viewing this on Wednesday and was amazing at the high quality of work shared, especially by Year 7!

Well done everyone who was nominated this week. You demonstrate confidence, ambition and respect to the highest level.

Commentating on football

The KS4 team has made a promising start to the season. They opened with a solid 1–0 victory over Wolsingham last week, showing strong teamwork and determination. In their second match, they put in another impressive performance, narrowly losing 2–1 to a strong Parkside side. Overall, the team has demonstrated great potential and competitiveness heading into the rest of the season.

The Y11 Futsal team secured an impressive 2nd place finish in their league after a narrow 6–5 defeat to St Bede’s. Despite trailing 5–2 at half-time, the team produced an outstanding second-half performance, pushing the eventual winners all the way. Their efforts have earned them the position of first reserve for the upcoming regional competition.

Y9 students showed fantastic confidence and respect while taking part in an inter-class basketball competition for the Horner Cup, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The event was held in support of Children in Need, adding extra meaning to an already exciting and competitive occasion.