This week's meetings have been focused on IT and decisions are being made about which type of servers will be installed to ensure future proof systems that can give us the best possible technological solutions in school. 

On that note, our staff have been trying out their new teachings boards in the form of giant interactive screen that will be installed in every classroom. Staff had the chance to test out various functions and get to know the best features to use in lessons. Inside the old building we are also starting the big clearout with each department auditing what needs to be moved so we can prepare the right number of transporting containers. 

As the the new build itself, the brickwork continues to progress and the plaster work inside is now well underway. 

Another group of students visited this morning and were amazed to walk around their new school building. 

Year 7 took part in a STEM challenge to design and build a paper marble run, in just 20 minutes. Students had to design and construct a stable system, considering forces at work to secure the title of champions and the winning team was Kira and Hannah well done, great team work.  

We were absolutely thrilled to welcome back the incredible Helen McAdam to our school recently!

Helen spoke to all of our Year 8 students, taking them on an inspiring journey from her days studying right here in our classrooms to her phenomenally successful career. She has done it all—working as a nurse, midwife, paramedic, senior lecturer, and even pitching her innovations on BBC's Dragons' Den! Her story is a powerful reminder to our students of just how far dedication and passion can take you.

But the inspiration didn't stop there. Following her talk, Helen hosted an exclusive Year 9 nursing masterclass, giving a group of our students a hands-on, practical session. They got a real taste of what it takes to work on the frontline of healthcare.

Following this, Sunderland University offered our students a unique "day in the life" experience designed to ignite the ambitions of aspiring young nurses. By stepping onto a world-class healthcare campus, students moved beyond the classroom to explore the practical realities of a healthcare career, from navigating state-of-the-art clinical simulation labs to engaging with current nursing students. The program demystified the path to nursing school and provided them with a tangible sense of the dedication, skill, and compassion required in the field, ultimately transforming a distant dream into an achievable goal.

It was an incredibly hands-on experience. Our aspiring healthcare professionals dove straight into an interactive session, stepping into the shoes of real nurses. They practiced vital patient care skills on each other, getting a true taste of what the profession is all about.

​When they weren't busy saving lives in the simulation labs, they were exploring the beautiful University of Sunderland campus and getting a feel for university life.

​"The best way to predict the future is to create it."

​We are so proud of how maturely and enthusiastically our students engaged with the session. The future of nursing is looking very bright indeed! 

​ Highlights of the Day:

• ​Interactive Patient Care: Bandaging, checking vitals, and learning clinical communication.

• ​Campus Tour: Checking out Sunderland’s state-of-the-art health facilities and student hubs.

• ​Future Planning: Gaining invaluable insights into university pathways and healthcare careers.

​A huge thank you to University of Sunderland and the Future Me team for hosting such an inspiring day!

​#FutureMe #NursingMasterclass #SunderlandUni #FutureNurses #HealthcareCareers #ProudSchool

There is no down time at Durham Academy! As soon as the bulk of Year 11 exams are over we start the process of year 10 trial exams. Parents and carers received information about this in the bulletin from 8th May but here is another copy of the exam timetable so you can help prepare your child. 

We would urge all Year 10 students to approach this as they would their final exams and ensure that they are revising shared content during half term.

A week can feel like a long time if your children are stuck inside. Why not visit the This is Durham website and find out what is going on across the county. Lots of these events are free to attend and provide educational benefits as well as being fun for all. 

Our top pick free things to do are:

1. Visit the Oriental Museum and find out about ancient religions

2. Tour Durham Cathederal and learn about the history of St Cuthbert

3. Get the bus to Seaham and collect sea glass (also view the coastal landforms to help with Geography)

4. Visit the Library in Durham and sign your child up for a library ticket if they do not already have one - they can then take out or read in any book of choice

5. Go for a long walk in Nature reserve- download the Geocaching app and find secret treasures as you go. 

We hope all of our families have a happy and safe half term and enjoy some fine weather. 

We remind you that school starts again on Monday 1st June and all students should arrive fully equipted and in the correct uniform before 8.25am. 

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