Durham High School End of Week Newsletter
Issue 20 – 15th February 2025
Dear Parents
Wishing you all a very happy Valentine’s weekend with your loved ones. A huge thank you to our Parents and Friends Association for organising the Pre-Prep and Prep Valentine’s Discos yesterday, and to our wonderful Sixth Form helpers for ensuring the event was such a success. There was glitter galore and some truly impressive dance moves on display!
This week, as part of National Apprenticeships Week, we welcomed Ask Apprenticeships to speak to our girls about Higher Degree Apprenticeships as an alternative to university, for those girls wishing to work for a company whilst studying for their degree. It was also a great opportunity for me to share my own experience of lifelong learning, having recently completed a Level 7 Apprenticeship in Senior Leadership as part of my masters degree in Educational Leadership. I was delighted to achieve a Distinction at the end of January, and with my masters dissertation deadline in April, I expect the Easter holidays to be particularly busy!
It has been another fantastic week of sport, and we were proud to host the U13 Durham City and District Schools Netball Tournament on Thursday. Our U13 team delivered an outstanding performance, winning every match to secure the title. Scoring an incredible 94 goals while conceding just 8, they claimed victory against Durham School, Durham Johnston, Framwellgate Moor School, Hermitage Academy, St Bede’s School, and St Leonard’s School I was fortunate to watch the later stages of the tournament and was incredibly impressed by the teamwork and tactical play, which made their success look effortless. Congratulations to Zarah, who was named Player of the Tournament. Big congratulations to Darcie and Zoe who were an integral part of the team’s success, but are not on the photo.
Our Pre-Prep and Prep girls enjoyed a wonderful day on Friday, focusing on Art in the curriculum and participating in a special art project. I have already seen photographs of their final creations, and they are truly stunning! We will be showcasing their work in next week’s newsletter and on our social media channels keep an eye out!
In last week’s newsletter, we celebrated the achievements of our U16 Netball Team, who have won all their league matches to date and reached the U16 Regional Schools
Tournament. It was a pleasure to spend break time with the team on Monday as they signed the Excellence Book in recognition of their outstanding success. It was inspiring to hear about their wider sporting talents and their ambition to reach the Nationals next year as a team. Congratulations again, girls!
I have nearly completed my meetings with parents of girls transitioning into the Senior Department in September and have greatly enjoyed discussing the exciting journey ahead. If you have not yet booked an appointment and would like to, please contact Mr McGee, my PA, who will be happy to arrange a time that suits you.
It has also been a pleasure meeting with each of our Year 11 girls to discuss their post16 plans and transition into Sixth Form life at Durham High. I particularly enjoyed speaking with parents during Tuesday’s Year 11 Parents’ Evening. Thank you for taking the time to say hello.
Looking ahead, our Careers Programme continues next week with a talk on ‘Applying for Medicine and Dentistry’, which I know will be invaluable for many of our girls. We also look forward to our Year 9 Parents’ Evening, where we will be discussing option choices for the next stage of their academic journey.
Hopefully, I will see some of you on Thursday at our LAMDA/ Performing Arts Soiree an informal event providing the girls taking their LAMDA exams in March with an opportunity to perform their work. Some of our girls taking part in the Shakespeare Festival after half term will also be performing. Tickets will be available through our booking portal on Monday.
Best wishes
Mrs Michelle Hill Headmistress
Safer Internet Day 2025: "Too Good to Be True?"
On Tuesday, 11th February, Durham High School celebrated Safer Internet Day 2025, with a range of engaging activities aimed at educating girls on online safety. This year’s theme, "Too Good to Be True?", encouraged girls to think critically about online scams and misinformation, helping them to recognise and respond to digital threats.
The InnovateHer group, supported by Miss Turner, Head of Computing and Head of Digital
Strategy, led insightful assemblies for both Senior and Prep School girls. In the Senior Department assembly, they presented an engaging session, which included a specially recorded video, featuring staff as actors to demonstrate the correct actions to take when receiving a phishing email. This interactive approach helped girls understand the dangers of phishing and the steps to protect themselves online.
Across the school, time was dedicated to various activities designed to develop girls' awareness of scams. From interactive challenges to real-life case studies, girls learned how to identify fraudulent activity and what to do if they fall victim to an online scam. Many of our Prep girls also took part in a live lesson with Maddy Moate on CBBC, further reinforcing the key messages in an engaging and accessible way.
The overarching message of the day was clear: scams can happen to anyone, so stay vigilant, don’t panic, and report anything suspicious.
Girls were reminded to speak to a trusted adult and inform the relevant authorities to help keep themselves and others safe online.
Safer Internet Day 2025 was a fantastic opportunity for our girls to develop vital digital literacy skills and we have been very impressed with their enthusiasm and engagement.
Online Tour of the Cambridge Archaeological Museum
Year 11 Classical Civilisation girls recently had the exciting opportunity to join an online tour of the Cambridge Archaeological Museum, led by expert Martha Heemskerk. During the tour, girls explored some of the museum's fascinating collection, with a particular focus on items relevant to their GCSE content. Highlights included a detailed look at the iconic Prima Porta statue of Augustus and the frieze from the Temple of Apollo, which depicts the Amazonomachy. This virtual experience brought their studies to life, offering valuable insights into the ancient world.
Creative Enterprise Workshop Day
On Monday, our girls took part in an exciting Creative Enterprise Workshop Day, with a special focus on photography techniques. This hands-on session allowed girls to experiment with different styles and approaches to capturing images, helping them develop their creative skills in a dynamic and supportive environment. The session was run by Newcastle University as part of the initiative to inspire and educate young creatives.
Below are some highlights from the day! Thank you to Miss Morales Salum and Mrs Lonsdale for organising this session.
This week’s Pupils of the Week in Pre-Prep and Prep were:
Nursery: Tina for having a positive attitude to coming into school and settling nicely.
Reception: Marina for increased independence and participation in class.
Year 1 and 2: Seren M for great participation in discussions, always giving her best and for super kindness towards others.
Year 3 and 4: Peniel for settling into DHS so well. She is kind and caring but also so enthusiastic towards learning.
Year 5: Arada for being a kind and generous member of the class. She is always helping others especially in Outdoor Learning.
Year 6: Alba for working hard on developing her writing skills. Her recent work on the character of Lady Macbeth was super.
In addition, Jessica, Bea and Nancy’s hard work with their Buddies has been recognised with the presentation of certificates. Sienna was this week’s Lingotot’s Star of the Week.
Outside of school, there has been great success at a recent gymnastics’ competition for Faelene whilst Kira has gained her Grade 3 Tumbling Award.
Year 7 Inspired by ‘Good News for Everyone’ Assembly
Today, Year 7 enjoyed an assembly led by representatives from the 'Good News for Everyone' organisation, who visit schools and institutions across the UK to distribute copies of the New Testament. Following a presentation about the organisation, the
girls enjoyed trying on a range of different hats, from police helmets to Santa hats, to illustrate the wide array of reasons that people find support in spiritual beliefs, whatever their religion. Each girl was given a copy of the New Testament which they will use in RE lessons over the coming weeks. Our visitors commented on how respectful, polite and friendly Year 7 were to them; we are very proud of each girl for being an excellent ambassador for DHS.
Reception's Rocket Creations: Exploring the Wonders of Space
Reception have been exploring the wonders of space as part of their exciting project, and they are thrilled to share their fantastic rocket creations! The girls had so much fun designing and crafting their rockets, and their pride in their work shines through. It's been a wonderful opportunity for them to express their creativity while learning about Space.
Year 10 & 11 Enjoy a thrilling performance of Macbeth at the Gala Theatre
Our Year 10 and 11 girls recently attended a spectacular performance of Macbeth at the Gala Theatre, presented by the Royal Shakespeare Company. The production, known for its captivating storytelling and powerful performances, left our girls in awe. Year 11 girls shared their enthusiasm, awarding the show 5 stars:
"Macbeth: a thrilling tale of murder, treachery, and kings brought to life by the Royal Shakespeare Company. The incredible performance by Tennant and Jumbo, alongside the rest of the talented cast, hard-working crew, and impeccable choreography, made this a rendition to remember. We greatly enjoyed the production and would happily watch it again 'tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow!'"
"We all thought the performance was very good. Despite the minimal staging and costume, the actors' performances and emotions really portrayed the story perfectly in a way we could understand, despite the language being slightly difficult to follow."
“It was an unforgettable experience that brought Shakespeare’s Macbeth to life in a way that resonated with all.”
Well done to our girls for their insightful reviews!
Good Luck to Our Girls at the ESU-Churchill Public Speaking Competition
Congratulations to Year 8 girls, Zoe and Izzy, who will travel to Leeds to compete in the next round of the prestigious ESU-Churchill Public Speaking Competition- the largest of its kind in England and Wales, with around 400 teams taking part.
With roles as a speaker, questioner, and chairperson, the competition helps them sharpen their communication skills, think on their feet, and build connections with peers from other schools. Most importantly, it provides a fun and supportive environment to develop confidence and oracy skills.
Good luck girls, we know your super talents will wow the judges!
Exciting News for our Year 9 girls.
This week, we've released the details of the GCSE courses available to girls in Year 9. Parents and girls have access to the comprehensive course guide, which includes a range of options designed to support academic achievement and personal growth. We are thrilled to offer a curriculum that empowers our girls to pursue their passions and set themselves up for future success. Click here to access the booklet.
Pupil Successes
Congratulations to Annabel C, who has won a Gold Medal in ‘Creative Forms’ and a Bronze in ‘Traditional Forms’ at the World Traditional Kickboxing Association (WTKA) British Open! Competing against teams from across the UK and Europe, Annabel impressed the judges with her nunchuck routine and bowing techniques.
Annabel, 11, trains at The Martial Arts Centre in Horden and is part of Team Explosive’s competition squad. A dedicated martial artist since age four, she recently earned her Black Belt in Taekwondo and is aiming for her Black Belt in weapons this spring. Well done, Annabel!
Millie Selected for U17 North East Leeds Rhinos Netball Performance Squad
Huge congratulations to Millie in Year 10, who has recently been selected for the U17 North East Leeds Rhinos Netball Performance Squad. This is a significant achievement and a testament to Millie's dedication and talent in the sport. We are incredibly proud of her and look forward to seeing her continue to shine on the netball court. Well done, Millie!
Prep Sports Update
U11A Netball Team Hosts Whinney Banks Primary School in Friendly Match
The U11A netball team had the pleasure of hosting Whinney Banks for a friendly match to help them prepare for their upcoming High 5 Netball Tournament!
It was a fantastic game, with both teams showing great teamwork and skill. Our players displayed strong passing and movement throughout.
Invitation to Parents – Careers Fair on Thursday, 7 March
Our biannual Careers Fair is taking place on Thursday 7 March. Girls in Years 5 -Upper Sixth will visit the fair throughout the afternoon. We are delighted to invite parents of students attending the upcoming Careers Fair to join us on Thursday, 7th March. This event provides a fantastic opportunity to explore a range of career pathways, gain insights from industry professionals, and support your daughters in planning for their future. You will be able to walk round with your daughter and speak to the providers attending.
The Careers Fair will take place in the Sports Hall, with parents welcome to attend from 4:00 pm. The event will conclude at 5:00 pm.
We look forward to seeing you there!
7D’s Spectacular Shakespeare Creations!
We have been truly impressed by the incredible creativity and effort shown by 7D in their recent Shakespeare projects. The standard was set exceptionally high by River, who amazed everyone by recreating The Globe Theatre entirely out of cake! Their fantastic work has brought Shakespeare’s world to life in the most imaginative ways. Well done to all involved!
Results of Pre-Prep and Prep Art Competition.
The results of our Endangered Animals Art Competition were announced in last week’s Celebration Assembly.
The judges had a difficult task: there were so many fabulous drawings and paintings to choose from and it took a long time to reach a decision as to who the winners were. Eventually, the following girls were chosen:
Jessica for her felt-tip picture of a red squirrel in the trees.
Charlotte for her panda painting with the addition of real vegetation.
Kira for her pencil drawing of an orangutan surrounded by collage trees.
Maja and Mathilde for their detailed pictures of turtles using a variety of different media.
All the girls’ artwork will be displayed in school for everyone to admire.
Half Term Netball Sessions
Organised and led by our very own Miss Cartwright as a separate enterprise.
The camp take place at Durham High School, in the school grounds and is open to girls in Year 3-7 from Durham High School and other schools across the region.
For more information or to book your daughter’s place, please scan the QR code or send an e-mail to: netballcoachingcamps@gmail.com
February and Early March Key Dates
Please check the events calendar on our website for further dates.
17 February Careers Talk – Applying for Medicine and Dentistry 1.05pm
17 February Year 9 Parents’ Evening 4.30pm
20 February LAMDA/ Performing Art Soiree 7.00pm
21 February Break up for Half Term Normal time
3 March School Returns after Half Term w/c 3 March National Careers week
4 March Shakespeare Theatre Festival @ Gala Theatre (Y7- U6)