9th May 2025

Welcome to our weekly bulletin,

The sun is shining and our year 11 students are completing last minute revision. We are extremely proud of each and every one of them for the confidence, ambition and respect they have demonstrated over the last 5 years and we wish them all the very best in each exam. Please make sure you read the exam timetable below if your child is in this year group. This might have been a short week but we have been very busy...

Getting the site ready for machinery

Those who pass the site will notice that some of the external trees and shrubs have been removed in preparation for site work to begin. As a sustainable build, any trees that have been removed will be replaced with new planting.

Marking VE Day

Staff and students have been learning about and commemorating VE in school this week with an assembly from Mr Jackson and a very celebratory lunch .

On 8 May 2025, we mark the historic 80th anniversary of VE Day, with the peoples, families and communities of our great nation coming together to unite and celebrate 80 years of peace since the end of Word War II in Europe that so many millions paid the ultimate sacrificed to achieve it.

VE Day 80 is not only a tribute to those who fought for the freedom we all enjoy today, but also a powerful reminder of the resilience and unity that have defined our country ever since. (VE80.com)

A huge thank you to our fabulous kitchen team for the amazing VE celebration cakes.

Rescuing animals

Our students were very concerned about a tiny bunny who had managed to squeeze itself into a drain pipe this week.

Miss Ramm came to the rescue and Year 7 were pleased to observe that the bunny is now hopping happily on the field.

Talking about progress

Thank you to all parents and carers who joined our Year 8 Progress evening. The event was fully booked and it was fantastic to see and hear the super progress being made by this year group.

If you were unable to attend, your child's report will be sent to you.

Planning to make money grow

Dr Atwal has been hard at work again securing yet another opportunity for our students. This week she has been planning a scheme of work relating to enterprise which will be launched with students after half term. The challenge builds financial awareness, knowledge of business as well as team building and oracy. We will update you further as the pounds start to add up.

Testing our reading progress

Reading is the foundation skill that makes all learning possible and as you already know, we are passionate about reading at Durham Academy. Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 have completed their latest reading assessment this week and we have seen some students make an phenomenal amount of progress. This is due to our whole academy focus on literacy which includes; guided reading , reading for pleasure, reading ambassadors, reading to debate and reading intervention. Some students in Year 7 have made two years worth of progress since September and we will be celebrating their achievements in assembly.

2025 Exam Timetable TDF.docx.pdf

Completing final preparation

We try not to repeat posts on our newsletter as you can access all previous weeks above but this one is especially important.

Year 11 exams stated this week and next week is very busy for students. Please ensure that you and your child know which exams are scheduled for each day and they know which revision sessions they need to attend.

Calling all potential governors

We are looking for another parent governor. This is a vital role in the school and though it requires a time commitment, meetings are spread out across the year and your skills set is matched with the committees you are part of. If you think you could provide support and challenge to the school then please let us know you are interested by contacting reception.