Dealing with snow related absence

For some students the site was inaccessible on Wednesday and a number of Local Authority buses were unable to transport students to school. For students on site, lessons went ahead as normal so it is really important that your child completes the tasks set on Google classroom if you were unable to bring them to school to avoid gaps in knowledge and understanding. They will be given specific tasks to complete to cover core content and as always, their homework is automatically set and should be completed in full. 

Preparing for Year 10 careers meetings

All students in year 10 will have a 1:1 careers advise meeting beginning 1st December. 

They will look at careers they are interested in and give advice on works experience. Please continue to support with finding works experience places as this needs to be arranged well in advance. 

If you would like more information or contribute to their career meeting, please contact Dr Atwal or Mr Mr Talbot.

Saying thank you to Hargreaves

Thank you once again to Hargreaves Services Plc for the generous donation to Durham Academy so that our Year 7 can enter their RACE to LINE competition in the summer. 

RACE to LINE is a initiative where students use their knowledge learned in science to design and construct the fastest model car. Each car is tested using carbon neutral fuel. This will take place in summer 2026.

Thank you to Dr Atwal for organising this. 

Using our power for good

Our Year 7 and 8 students had assembly linked the National Week for anti-bullying on Tuesday and learnt about using their power for good. 

They heard about the difference between an upstander and a bystander and how they can ensure that we show our CARE for all people in our community. 

Due to the snow, Year 9 and 10 assembly was disrupted this week so they will cover this during Tutor time. 

Please discuss this with your child and reinforce positive use of technology. 

Giving away some coats

The weather has definitely taken a cold turn and whilst some students have had a coat stuffed in their bag, some others have told us that they haven't got one at the moment. We know that this time of year is an expensive one so we have some coats in schools that students can have on a short term or permanent basis. This is especially important when travelling to and from school. 

If you would like your child to wear/have one of these coats please tell them to see Mrs Turnbull or Mrs Lenagh or alternatively, let us know by contacting reception and we will arrange for them to try some one. 

Signposting some support

We know that the cost of living is on the rise and with more utility usage in the winter months that can become even more challenging. 

If you would like any support with this please contact Mrs Ball or Miss Hall who can put you in touch with our Financial Inclusion Support Officer, Anna.

Anna Gouldsbrough offers assistance with welfare benefit checks, grant applications, and general money management. You can contact her directly at 07385 223 741 or by emailing FISO@durham.gov.uk.  

If you want to apply for support without Anna's help the following funds are also available via the Durham County Council website: 

Household Support Fund (HSF)

The HSF provides grants to help with immediate essentials like energy bills, food, and other household necessities. The current scheme runs from April 2025 to March 2026. 

• How to apply: Applications are managed by Point North Community Foundation on behalf of the Council. You need to book a telephone appointment via the Point North HSF electronic booking system or by calling 0191 378 6340.

• Immediate need: If you are struggling with an immediate need for food and/or fuel, you can apply directly to the Council's Welfare Assistance Scheme. 

Warm Homes Local Grant / Energy Efficiency Schemes

This government-funded initiative aims to improve home energy efficiency for low-income households, which helps reduce long-term energy bills. 

• Support offered: Fully funded measures may include insulation, new boilers, central heating systems, heat pumps, and solar panels.

• Eligibility: Generally for low-income households (e.g., income under £36,000 or on means-tested benefits) living in privately owned or rented properties with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D to G.

• How to apply: You can check eligibility and apply through the DVC Group or Warm Homes Funding websites, or by contacting the Warm Homes Durham team at the Council. 

Other Available Support

• Warm Home Discount Scheme: This is a national government scheme where energy companies must provide a £150 rebate to eligible pensioners and low-income customers during winter. Check if you qualify on the Gov.uk website.

• Welcome Spaces: A network of free, warm public spaces (including libraries and community centres) across the county where residents can go to stay warm and socialise during the winter months. You can find local spaces on the Durham County Council website.

• British Gas Energy Trust: This independent charitable trust offers grants to clear domestic gas and electricity debts. 

For comprehensive information on all available support, including benefits and debt advice, visit the Durham County Council help with your money webpage. You can also use independent benefits calculators like Turn2us to identify other potential sources of financial aid.