20th December 2024

Welcome to our weekly bulletin,

As a valued member of our school community we will send you an update every Friday afternoon. This is our last update for 2024 but there will be further updates in January.

This week has been full of festive spirit. Students have experienced a huge range of rewards and celebrations. They have represented the school and been commended for their polite manners and excellent behaviour everywhere they have been. All students receive 3 achievement points every lesson if they meet expectations with additional points for work of the week, faculty awards, magic moments and attendance. Students can use these points to buy equipment and other small rewards each week or save them for the end of term big events. Tuesday was rewards day and 132 students used their points to purchase an external reward. Thank you to all staff who accompanied them, carried out a risk assessment or completed the supporting documents. A special thank you to Mr Potter for organising these trips.

For those remaining in school, a variety of reward afternoon activities were available.

We have been very busy...

Reminding you to view the official plans

We would like to invite you to a meeting on January the 28th to view the new build plans. The exact time will be confirmed in our first week back.

Visiting Ushaw College for our annual carol concert

Our annual service is one of the most special days of our school year. The whole Academy walks together, sits together and sings together in the beautiful surroundings of Ushaw College. This year our theme was 'Christmas Around the World' and we celebrated the many different cultures within our school. The choir sang beautifully and we heard readings about Christmas in the Caribbean, Nigeria and New York. With duets from key stage 3 students and a guitar group piece, it really was a special event. Students walked with their Tutors to and from the College and they must be recognised for their excellent conduct. A special mention must go to Marcus in year 10 who supported a year 7 student who had a shoe lace mishap half way through the journey and helped the younger student to walk back. It is often the small examples of being confident, ambitious and respectful that make the biggest difference. Thank you to Mr Potter, Mrs Ball and Mrs Robins for organising this event.

Bowling

44 students were rewarded with a day bowling and had a fabulous time. Hollywood bowl told staff that our students were impeccably behaved and were a credit to the school. Lanes were followed by food and arcades with much determination to win a soft toy!

Visiting the Pantomime

44 students visited Rainton arena to see Jack and the Beanstalk. With signing, dancing and lots of audience participation, our students thoroughly enjoyed this classic panto. Oh yes they did!

Ice Skating

Students who opted for the Pantomime got two rewards for the price of one with a round of ice-skating built into the day. With a little help from a few penguins, most students managed to stay on their feet.

Laser Tagging

44 students visited a war room laser tag followed by the games arcade. Competition was fierce with each team taking the task very seriously. A brilliant day was had by all.

Decorating festive cupcakes

15 students opted to take part in the Durham Academy Great British Christmas Bake-off and were challenged to decorate cupcakes in the style of reindeers, christmas trees and wreaths. Making their own butter icing and getting to grips with a piping bag proved a real challenge but the students rose to it and produced some rather lovely cakes.

Getting active

Students who selected an afternoon of sports for the their rewards took part in a number of activities including boxing, football and fitness. Thank you to the PE department for running this.

Singing karaoke

The music room was ringing with the sound of Christmas during karaoke rewards afternoon as students sang famous hits with absolute joy. Thank you to Mr Milligan for supporting this.

Making binary code bracelets

Binary bracelets is always a popular reward and this term was no different, with students selecting to spend the afternoon creating beautiful pieces of jewellery with a coding sequence design. Thank you Mr Robinson.

Playing Chess

We take chess very seriously at Durham Academy and our weekly club turned into a rewards afternoon of choice for many of the players. You could feel the tension in the room as key stage 4 students went head to head in the final match. Thank you to Mr Beiard for hosting this.

Designing environmentally friendly fuel

Students in Year 11 and year 9 worked with Northern Gas to develop hydrogen powered cars. Students learnt about the science of eco fuels and later participated in a science escape room applying the scientific knowledge they had gained.

Becoming FIFA Champions

FIFA was another popular choice for rewards afternoon with Mr Jackson coaching the team to success.

Reminding people about the holidays

School finishes today and reopens on Monday 6th January.

If you have concerns about the welfare of a child during the school closure you should contact First Contact:

Phone: Call 03000 267 979

Email: Email firstcontact@durham.gov.uk

If you need support but don't have safeguarding concerns you could contact the Durham Family Hub. Family Hubs support families from pregnancy right up until a child turns 19, or 25 if they have special educational needs and disabilities.

They are open 8.30am to 5.00pm, Monday to Thursday and 8.30am to 4.30pm on Friday

Follow this link to visit their website.

We hope that all of our families have a safe and enjoyable Christmas and we look forward to seeing you in January.