If you have been to the site this week you will have noticed that there is less and less scaffolding around the outside and the final finish is very impressive. 

Painting continues inside and we are finalising temporary outdoor spaces for the Autumn term to accomodate the shift in fencing ready for demolition. Students will be carefully guided on where they can and con not be during the second phase of the build and we can't wait to come back in September and see the progress that has been made. 

For the second year running we have hosted our Durham Academy Games which brings the whole school to life via a series of Tutor Group challenges. Every student was involved and for the first year ever, we had a superb opening ceremony performed and presented by our students. It was amazing! 

The Year 9 media crew were outstandingly good and quite frankly, could get a job for the BBC tomorrow. They produced their own montage video to explain the running order for the day and an information presentation to explain rules, records and interesting facts about each discipline. Their confidence and ambition shone throughout the day and they really made the games something special. 

When it comes to the athletes, they were a credit to the school. Cheering others on, celebrating graciously and encouraging students from younger year groups to do their best and be resilient. 89 gold, silver and bronze places were won and every students received a certificate for participation. 

A huge thank you must go to Mr Kenmure and Miss Dixon who enabled our students to lead the media live stream (which was broadcast to classrooms all day with coverage better than the Olympics) with student interview and medal table updates. 

The extended PE department were incredible, running four different activities simultaneously every hour and Miss Tomlinson and the choir opened and closed the ceremony with our school song, "Nothing More" by The Alternative Routes. The lyrics of which could not be more appropriate to our values which are never so obvious than during events like the DUA Games. 

During the final week of term, our STAR students celebrated their hard work and achievements with a fantastic line-up of ACCESS reward trips and activities. Designed to recognise outstanding effort, behaviour, and attendance, the week was a massive success, with a great time had by all.

Thrill-seekers and active groups headed out to tackle the rollercoasters at Flamingo Land, bounce off the energy at Infinite Air, and scale new heights at the Metrocentre Clip 'n Climb. We also saw some fantastic strikes and friendly competition during bowling, which were paired with a chance to explore and relax during a shopping trip at the Metrocentre.

For those seeking culture and curiosity, students enjoyed a hands-on, interactive day of science at The Centre for Life, as well as an exciting trip to the theatre for a live performance of Karate Kid.

Back in school, the fun continued with a variety of in-school options. Our sports facilities and classrooms were buzzing with energy as students teamed up for various sports sessions and expressed their creative sides through dedicated arts and crafts workshops.

Throughout the entire week, our students were an absolute credit to the school. Their exemplary behaviour, manners, and enthusiasm were noted by our staff and members of the public alike.

An event of this scale is only possible with a dedicated team behind it. We would like to say a huge thank you to all of the staff who organised, supervised, and supported these activities—both during and well outside of the normal school day. Their commitment ensured our students finished the year with unforgettable experiences and it is very much appreciated. 

Well done to all of our STAR students, and have a wonderful, well-deserved break!

We know that entertaining children during the holidays can be costly so we have created a list of places to go and things to see for free or a relativly low cost. 

County Durham families can access financial support through the Fun and Food programme, which funds free holiday activities and nutritious meals for children on low incomes. For immediate financial emergencies, you can apply online for the Durham Crisis and Resilience Fund or call them directly at 03000 267 900 

Ushaw Moor Active2Learn Club: Runs weekdays at the Sir Bobby Robson Centre. Families eligible for the Fun & Food programme attend for free, while non-eligible families pay a heavily discounted rate of just £6 for a full day of activities. Durham Family Hub also has a number of activities running during the holidays that can found here. 

When it comes to feeding them, there are also several discounts and kids eat free initiates over the summer:

Asda Café: Kids eat for £1 all day, seven days a week. The best part is there is no minimum adult spend required

Morrisons Café: Kids under 16 eat free all day, every day. Requires the purchase of one adult meal worth £4.49 or more

Sizzling Pubs: Kids meals cost just £1 between 12pm and 7pm, Monday to Friday throughout the school holidays. Requires a matching adult main meal.

Beefeater & Brewers Fayre: Up to two kids under 16 can eat a free unlimited breakfast when accompanied by one adult purchasing a full adult breakfast.

TGI Fridays: Kids under 12 eat free all day, every day via the restaurant's rewards app when an adult main is ordered.

A reminder for parents/carers that school closes today at 3pm and re-opens to all students on Wednesday 2nd September. Students should be on site by 8.20am as learning starts at 8.30am with breakfast available to all. We attach our Parent and Carer Handbook for useful reminders and information. 

We wish you all a safe and happy holiday and look forward to seeing you all in the new school year. If you have any concerns about the welfare of a child during the holidays please contact First Contact as our school safeguarding lead with be unavailable. 

To reach the First Contact team in County Durham regarding the welfare or safeguarding of a child, call 03000 267 979. The phone line is operational 24/7. For immediate emergencies where a child is in danger, dial 999 

Telephone: 0191 3730336

Email: contact@durhamacademy.org.uk

For the most up to date information about what is going on in our school, please visit our website at:

https://durhamacademy.org.uk