26th September 2025

Welcome to our weekly bulletin,

There has been a crispness to the weather this week that marks the start of autumn and though it has been slightly chilly outside, we have stayed warm and cosy inside with lots of fun filled activities and events.

We have been very busy...

Watching demolition

The Redgrave block has gone! Since our last bulletin, the whole building as been removed with a continuous stream of vehicles and lorries to transport the rubble away.

It has been incredible to watch and triggered a great deal of conversations about when the building was fully operational. Mrs Lynn who loves this place so much she has spent both her childhood and career here, told us that it was new at the time she started secondary school.

Some time later it was ground breaking again when we opened the first secondary enhanced learning provision in Durham in that building and over the years it witnesses thousands of lessons and young people grow into successful adults.

Mrs Jamieson was reflecting on a lesson she saw in there which remains the best Geography lesson she has ever seen - Year 7 learning about fair trade, working collaboratively as a team then using google earth on google chrome books to virtually visit to a factory in Africa where fair trade chocolate was being made. The students then embarked on a high level debate on who should earn the most in the production of sweet treats. Amazing example of British Values, use of new technology, knowledge of Geographical vocabulary, global citizenship and STAR learners.

That said, we aren't sorry to see the building go because it is going to be replaced with our fabulous new build!

Looking for parent governors

Our Academy Council plays a vital role and we are in search of new Parent/Carer governors.

For further information please call our school office on 0191 3730336 and ask to speak to Mrs Robins, or to apply please complete an application form which can be found on our school website.

Sharing key information about what your child learns in Years 10 & 11

Thank you to all parents and carers who attended our information evening last night and thank you to all the staff who prepared and shared information about what students learn and how they are assessed in Years 10 and 11.

If you were unable to attend, please see the attached document so you don't miss out. This documents contains a calendar for exams- perfect for sticking on the fridge!

Your child can also collect a paper copy from reception.

If your child is in Year 7,8 or 9 and you missed our 5th of September update, we have shared it again below. All documents can also be found on the school website and all previous bulletins are available via the top corner of your screen.

How to support your child in their GCSE year.pdf

Telling you what your child is learning

All curriculum summaries can be found by following this link to the school website and information about PSHCE and SRE can be found here.

Our Curriculum

We have high expectations for our students, encouraging them to create dreams for their future and supporting them to secure ambitious destinations. We aim to develop students who feel happy and valued and act with integrity and honesty.

Our school values: confident, ambitious, respectful, every child, are at the heart of everything we do.

What is our Curriculum Intent?

Our curriculum is designed to develop specific knowledge and skills across the subjects that we offer. It is ambitious and inclusive with the aim of preparing students for life after Durham Academy.

Students study a broad curriculum including core academic, practical and artistic subjects. This is complemented by our Personal Development curriculum and wider enrichment opportunities in order for students to develop their knowledge and skills as well as their personal qualities.

Promoting ACCESS Clubs and activities

ACCESS clubs have started fully this week and you can find the timetable below.

There are so many different activities for your child get involved in. Please encourage them to sign up for at least one club this half term.

In addition to staff led clubs, all students have access to our outdoor table tennis tables every break and lunch time.

ACCESS Activities 2025_26.pdf

Maintaining excellent behaviour

Every student receives 3 ready to learn points each day (if they are ready to learn) and then 2 STAR student points every lesson if they meet expectations. In addition to this Faculty Awards and Magic Moments are available for being CONFIDENT, AMBITIOUS and RESPECTFUL.

Year 7 have definitely shown they understand our school values and are the current leaders in the achievement point table.

Year 11 are meeting all expectations but are they going the extra- mile?

Big rewards are up for grabs at the end of term so please encourage your child to do their very best.

Launching our Race for Kids

Mr Heppell has been busy planning our sponsored Race for Kids which will take place in the week beginning 6th of October.

Your child will be given more information during Tutor time and our sponsorship page will be shared in next week's bulletin.

This is a great opportunity to make a difference and be an active citizen.

Sharing virtual work experience opportunities

Gaining valuable work experience is key to making decisions about career pathways and post 16 destinations. We strongly urge all students to make the most of the opportunities given to them and learn from as many employers as possible to inform their future choices. HSBC have shared some online opportunities below which we will also be promoting in school. Please encourage your child to take part.

FIRST STEP - Student year groups 7-9 England & Wales, S1-S3 Scotland, 8-10 Northern Ireland

Wednesday 1st October at 4.30 pm (virtual session hosted on Zoom)

“Pitch for a Purpose: Plan the Ultimate Charity Event with HSBC”

A 45-minute briefing with the HSBC team
Complete the career challenge at their own pace
Certification awarded on completion
Register now! (students)

NEXT STEP - Student year groups 10-13 England & Wales, S4-S6 Scotland, 11-14 Northern Ireland

Thursday 2nd October at 5pm (virtual session hosted on Zoom)

"HSBC and The Nature Trust UK - Nature Projects That Make a Difference"

A 45-minute virtual briefing with the HSBC team
Complete the career challenge at their own pace
Certification awarded on completion
Register now! (students)

Asking for your feedback

Your views are really important to us as they help us identify and celebrate what we are doing well and help us to prioritise things we are working to make even better. Please fill in the attached short questionnaire. It should only take 5 minutes. Thank you.

Click here to complete.