Enjoying our ACE activities

Students have taken part in their chosen ACE activities today and a fabulous afternoon was had by all. 

Mr Clarke's world food showcase has been an extremely popular choice, along with dog therapy and equine studies. 

The drama group is working on their first production, Dr Atwal has started the Go Kart build and Mrs Ball is taking people swimming! 

From games to gaining specific qualifications and skills, our Friday ACE time is giving every single students the chance to try something new without any cost to parents. 

In addition to this, our daily ACCESS timetable is up and running. 

This includes homework drop ins and study spaces so there is really no excuse for not doing you homework. 

Reminding families about the importance of good attendance

If your child attends school more than 96% of the time they are likely to achieve better than the national average in their GCSE results. This has been proven time after time on results day. 

The vast majority of our students have 100% attendance since September and they will receive rewards to congratulate them on this. 

Attendance is cumulative so if your child has missed any of the last three weeks, their attendance will be lower than required and we are legally obliged to follow up their non-attendance. 

Every lesson missed creates a gap in their knowledge and understanding and therefore must be caught up. 

If you are concerned about your child's attendance please contact Miss Hall to discuss how we can support you to ensure it improves. 

Sending Classcharts log-ins

If your child is in Year 7, they will be bringing home a letter containing an access code for Classcharts. 

This is for the parent class charts app. 

You will be asked to input your email address before the access code. Please note that this must be the email that you have supplied the school with as primary contact or the code will not match it. 

If your child is not in year 7 but you are having trouble logging in, please contact reception to have your access code reissued.  

Beginning the Generating Genius programme

This year 10s will start their two-year journey with Generating generating. This programme offers career support by giving students an experienced mentor. Students undertake challenges with the ultimate goal of presenting at the House of Lords in front of successful company directors such as Burberry and National Grid. We are proud to announce that this now comes with post-16 support and the opportunity to gain university scholarships. 

Starting to think about Work Experience

We launched Works Experience this week for our Y10 students.

This year, work experience will take place on the week commencing Monday 29th June 2026. Students are expected to contact employers to find a placement. 

If you know any businesses that are able to take any of our students or need further information please contact  Mr Talbot s.talbot@durhamacademy.org.uk

Recognising excellent behaviour

We believe in praise over criticism and so all students receive 3 ready to learn points at the start of every day and 2 STAR student points if they meet expectations every lesson. 

In addition to this, students recieve faculty awards, magic moments and work of the week points. As you can see, our students demonstrate excellent behaviour with 97% of all interactions being positive since September. 

Not only that but the overwhelming majority of students have entirely positive behaviour for learning- don't forget to check your child's class charts to see their individual pie chart. 

Promoting Durham Youth Council

Durham Youth Council have asked us to share this fantastic opportunity with your child in order for them to take part in meaningful change and citizenship. 

Please see below for more details and the parental consent forms required to participate.