7th March 2025

Welcome to our weekly bulletin,

It's hard to believe time last week was still half term! Year 9 have sat a full set of 'Big Tests' in preparation for their pathway decisions, Year 10 have been confirming work experience placements (if your child has not already done this please support them to do so), Year 11 have thrown themselves back into study time with almost all students making the most of revision sessions and the Study Room and we have also been very busy...

Discussing the final finishes in our new build

This week's planning meeting focused on floor coverings and wall finishes. With discussions around existing furniture recycle and new equipment. We want our new build to be environmentally friendly as well as look magnificent so the materials used need to be carefully considered.

Celebrating World Book Day

Thank you to Miss Burke who organised a range of World Book Day competitions, quizzes and activities and to all staff who surprised students on Thursday morning by dressing up as literary characters!

It was fabulous to see so many staff and students spend the day talking about books.

Winners of the competition will be notified in person by Miss Burke.

Developing game designers for the future

The Altitude Foundation have told us how fabulous Jake (Y10) and Esther (Year 8) were when they attended a full day workshop on Gaming, Enterprise and Robotics during February Half-term.

They travelled to the Catalyst, Newcastle, funded by Newcastle University and had a brilliant experience that will no doubt take their knowledge and skills to the next level.

Coding Club takes place every Thursday and anyone interested should speak to Dr Atwal.

Promoting the DYC Youth Awards

We’re very excited to announce that this year’s nomination form for Durham Youth Awards is live!

If you know a young person, child, group or youth advocate that deserves some recognition, why not nominate them for an award?

Visit:

https://forms.office.com/e/6p7DMz3fSZ

Reminding students about the book fair

Our last Scholastic Book Fair was a real success and so we have arranged another event.

Students will have access to the fair on 26th March and can pre-order books via the scholastic website.

scholastic-secondary-book-fair-poster-spring-2025-2311959.pdf

Awareness presentation Year 11 Durham Academy 3.3.25.pdf

Educating students about apprenticeships

Our key stage 4 students had a very informative assembly focused on apprenticeships this week.

You can read the information shared with them in this presentation.

If you have any questions please contact Mr Talbot.

Sending out invites to our SEND coffee afternoons

Mrs Smith has organised another round of visitors to support families through our SEND coffee afternoons. The events are very informal, and provide space and time to chat to other parents and professionals in order to support your child.

All parents/carers are welcome to attend and the next drop in is 11th March at 2pm and we will be joined by a specialist in autism so will be on hand to answer questions and give advice.