Durham High School
End of Week Newsletter
Issue 33 – 22 June 2025
Dear Parents
This week has been a joyful celebration of the diversity that is deeply embedded in life at Durham High School. While we aim to weave inclusion into everything we do, our Diversity and Inclusion Week gives us the opportunity to pause and reflect more intentionally.
Throughout the week, girls from Nursery to Lower Sixth have worked together in their Houses to learn how to sign the lyrics to ‘How Far I’ll Go’ from Moana, in British Sign Language. On Thursday afternoon, they gathered to record their performances. Please keep an eye on our social media channels where the final video will be shared later this week.
In the Senior Department, extended form times on Wednesday and Thursday gave each year group the chance to explore different cultural experiences, led by our own Year 10 and Lower Sixth pupils.
Year 7 enjoyed a Bharathanatyam dancing workshop led by Maanashi in Year 10. Year 8 had the pleasure of an Irish dancing session, led by Isabella in Year 10, who recently returned from the World Championships in Dublin, where she and her team placed sixth in the world –a remarkable achievement. Year 8 also created vibrant Rangoli chalk designs, adding beautiful colour to the Quad.
Year 9 were introduced to Chinese language and calligraphy by Moon and Joy in Year 10, along with Mrs Xian, our Mandarin peripatetic teacher. They also participated in a fun and challenging guided running activity on the field, where one partner was blindfolded and had to navigate low hurdles with the help of the other.
Our Head Girl, Yasmeen, led an Arabic cooking workshop for Year 10, making an Egyption dessert called ‘Basbousa’, served with clotted cream, with some girls adding their own twist, with some melted chocolate. The second was a date bark to introduce them to a new fruit Meanwhile, Liza, Parita and Sukhman from Lower Sixth taught the girls how to dress in Indian attire, accompanied by traditional music. Ava, also in Lower Sixth, delivered a thoughtful Haiku poetry session.
Lower Sixth pupils took part in guided running and a lively cheerleading workshop in the Studio, led by Fienna.
It has been a week full of energy, learning and joy, celebrating the rich cultural tapestry within our community. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to its success.
On Monday evening, it was a pleasure to meet with parents of our Lower Sixth students and to hear how well the girls have settled into their A Level courses. Thank you for your kind words about the support they are receiving with UCAS applications, we are proud to play a part in their journeys.
In addition to our celebrations, the entrepreneurial spirit has been alive and well this week with the Tenner Challenge. The girls have been busy trying to turn ten pounds into as much profit as possible, while raising money for their chosen charities. Competition has been fierce, and while we await the final figures, we will be sure to keep you updated.
Our Year 8 Future Magnates have now delivered their final business pitches and await the results, which will be announced at next Friday’s Awards Ceremony. They have shown great creativity and confidence throughout the competition – good luck to all of them.
We also send our very best wishes to Miss Turner, who is attending the TES Awards Ceremony this weekend at Grosvenor House in London, as a finalist for Secondary Subject Leader of the Year. Whatever the outcome, we are incredibly proud of the impact she has made on Computing at Durham High.
Last weekend, we celebrated more sporting success at the County Athletics Championships. Carola Elin in Year 8, Megan in Year 9, and Harriet and Linnea in Year 11 all represented Durham County with distinction. Congratulations to all of them. We are immensely proud! Harriet won the Intermediate Discus, while Linnea not only won the Intermediate Triple Jump but also met the English Schools’ qualifying standard. Both girls will go on to represent Durham County at the Inter-County Championships this weekend. We wish them every success.
On Tuesday evening, our Performing Arts Scholars in Years 7 to 10 welcomed Year 5 children from Acre Rigg Academy, Esh C of E School, Finchale Primary School and Durham High School to perform a stunning rendition of ‘Annie Kids’ The performance was filled with heart and hope, led by young people who displayed resilience, teamwork and passion. It is astonishing that they achieved such magic with just one full rehearsal
day on Saturday and another on the day of the performance. I am incredibly proud of every single one of them.
Another special moment this week was the Old Girls’ Association AGM and Summer Lunch. It was a delight to be joined by such a wonderful group of ladies, whose warmth and fondness for the school was truly uplifting. The food, provided by Thomas Franks, was beautiful, and the afternoon was filled with laughter and conversation. It was heartwarming to see old friends, who met right here at the High School, still in touch and enjoying each other’s company. Lifelong friendships really are born at Durham High, and this event was a powerful reminder of the lasting bonds created within our school community.
Another unforgettable moment this week was our Annual Colour Run. The Durham High spirit was out in full force once again. What began last year is now a firm favourite on our school calendar. Each year, the Colour Run is held in memory of Poppy Eagle, our former Deputy Head Girl, who sadly passed away from Catecholaminergic Polymorphic
Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT) on 7 August 2024. Poppy would have loved every moment of it.
The event was a vibrant, joyful occasion. Special thanks go to Mrs Slane for her exceptional organisation, and to our facilities team for their help with the set-up. Miss Hardy, along with some of our Year 10 girls, led a fantastic warm-up session despite the heat. Thanks to DHS Parents and Friends for providing the coloured paint. I particularly enjoyed running a lap before spending the rest of the afternoon showering the girls with colours as they passed.
There was merchandise available from Poppy’s Light Foundation, and each girl received a Durham High Colour Run T-shirt from the charity. After the run, we gathered for a whole-school photo, cooled down with ice lollies, and enjoyed cupcakes provided by the Foundation. It was a wonderful community moment, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who sponsored our staff and pupils.
Best wishes
Mrs Michelle Hill
Headmistress
Galaxy Global Education Group Parent Presentation - Friday 27 June 4.15pm.
On Wednesday, I was delighted to attend the inaugural Head’s meeting of Galaxy Global Education Group at Ruthin School. The Heads of the four schools came together with members of the board as we began shaping our shared vision for the future.
Mrs Gao will be giving an online presentation on Friday 27 June at 4.15 pm, via Zoom, to introduce Galaxy Global to our parent body. There will then be an opportunity for questions with Mr Yuchen Xia, one of our Directors.
Questions should be submitted to parents@dhsfg.org.uk by 3.00 pm on Thursday 26 June.
You are very welcome to come into school to watch the online presentation, which will be hosted by Duncan Murphey from MTM Consultancy and myself, or you can join online if that is more convenient. The session will be recorded, and we will send you a link to the recorded version afterwards.
Please indicate your attendance preference by completing the form: https://forms.office.com/e/DtDKw9vMpd
We will also send out, via SchoolComms, the link to the meeting with Mrs Gao and Mr Xia for those wishing to watch from home.
Dr Harry Yu, CEO of Galaxy Global Education Group, and Duncan Murphey from MTM Consultancy are looking forward to attending DHS Live on Saturday. Please do say hello.
Summer Holiday Camps at Durham High
We are delighted to have secured several providers for our Summer Camps at DHS during the Summer Holidays. We are hoping these will grow in popularity and number, so they can be offered during the Easter Holidays too. Spaces are limited so book your place asap. More information has been sent out with communications this week.
Year 7 Geography Trip
Woodland Holiday Club for girls and boys in Year 1 – 6 attending Durham High and other primaries –Tuesday 29 & Wednesday 30 July, 10 – 2pm. To book a place complete the booking form on your communication page and send it back to: carolineleeoutdoors@gmail.com
Lingotots Spanish Camp – For girls and Boys aged 5-11.
Places can be booked here by typing Durham in the search bar: Find a Lingotot Class Near You
Netball camps - Each day will include fun games, group drills, individual player development, and plenty of match play.
To book a place for your daughter, click here or email NetballCoachingCamps@gmail.com for further information.
Our Year 7 students visited Middleton-in-Teesdale on Wednesday as part of their Geography introduction to fieldwork. They made the most of the lovely warm weather, spending the morning completing a town trail in Middleton-in-Teesdale before heading to Bowlees and Summerhill Force waterfall. There, they practised field sketching and discussed how the waterfall was formed.
Pre-Prep & Prep Pupils of the Week
This week’s Pupils of the Week in Pre-Prep and Prep were:
Nursery: Tina for excellent listening and following of instructions on our school trip.
Reception: Celeste for super independence in all areas.
Y1&2: Thea T for lovely kindness and care towards her classmates.
Y3&4: Safaa for demonstrating a mature and sensible attitude in the classroom this week.
Y5: Ella for amazing work in Maths. She uses the correct mathematical language and has created detailed multi-step problems.
Y6: Alba for having a fabulous attitude in lessons and for her wonderful sense of humour.
Precious was the Lingotot’s Star of the Week.
Tara and her family will be moving to the USA in the Summer. She has been offered a place in the East Coast Surf Academy (a soccer team based in Long Island, New York) which has a clear pathway to professional play. We wish her lots of luck!
Senior Department Sports Update
There were some excellent performances at the Year 7 and Year 8 District Athletics Championships this week. A huge well done to all our athletes, who worked so hard and achieved some outstanding individual results, as well as two impressive relay runs.
Prep Sports Update
Our Year 5 pupils enjoyed a wonderful fixture in the sunshine against Newcastle High School for Girls. Both teams delivered excellent performances, winning their matches. It was fantastic to see how much the girls have progressed throughout the summer term.
Y10 Durham Crown Court Visit
Our Year 10 pupils were invited to Durham Crown Court on Friday to observe two trials. They watched one case relating to fraud and another involving theft. The girls and staff found the experience immensely interesting, and it was a valuable opportunity to see the legal system in action. Thank you to Durham Crown Court and to Mrs Almond for organising such a fascinating visit.
Year 3 and 4 Jarrow Hall Visit
On Monday, Year 3 and Year 4 enjoyed an exciting visit to Jarrow Hall. The day began with a tour of a reconstructed Anglo-Saxon farm and village, where the children learned about the different animals and how they would have been useful in daily life. They then gathered around a cosy fire to listen to the legendary tale of Beowulf, bringing history vividly to life.
After lunch, the girls took part in two engaging workshops. In the first, they explored Anglo-Saxon clothing and textiles, discovering how wool was spun and woven on looms. The second workshop focused on herbs and medicines, and the girls even had the opportunity to create their own traditional remedies.
All of the girls set a fantastic example and represented the school brilliantly. It was a thoroughly enjoyable and enriching day for everyone involved.
Pupil Success
Durham Regatta
Congratulations to Hannah and Poppy, both in Year 9, who competed as part of a team in the Women’s Junior 14 Coxed Quadruple Sculling race last weekend at the Durham Regatta, and won!
Well done, girls! We are very proud of you!
Nursery and Reception Butterfly World Trip
Nursery and Reception had a fantastic day at Butterfly World in Preston Park, Teesside, to round off their topics on the Jungle and Minibeasts. The Butterfly House was full of beautifully coloured butterflies – some were larger than birds! They swooped over our heads and even landed on a few of us. We enjoyed an outdoor picnic and played games on the grass. We could not have chosen a better day for the weather. Great fun was had by all.
Thank You to Parents and Friends from Early Years
Early Years would like to say an enormous 'Thank You'. The children have had their seesaw and slide replaced, items which had been bought buy Parents & Friends Association several years ago, but had broken with heavy use!
We have also received delivery of an adult bike, helmet and bike pump, also purchased by Parents and Friends, to enable staff to deliver the Bikeability Scheme to the children. They are already whizzing around on their balance bikes!
Senior Department Art Show
You are warmly invited to our Art Show on Monday 30 June at 4.30 pm, celebrating the tremendous work of our Senior Department pupils this year.
Everyone is welcome. Please come to Main Reception, where you will be guided to the Art Department.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Nearly New Uniform Sale
The Parents and Friends Association will be holding a Nearly New Uniform Sale on Thursday 3 July, from 3.00pm to 4.30pm in the Main Hall.
Please note that this is a cash-only event.
Donations of washed uniform items are very welcome and can be handed in to Main Reception by Friday 20 June 2025.
Bank Detail Change
As mentioned in our letter shared on 4 June, we have updated our bank account details. This is a gentle reminder to refer to that letter and update your payee record before making your next payment to the School.
Our new bank details will also be included on all invoices issued in August.
Any payments made to Parent Gateway, School Fee Plan or TryBooking are not affected.
Key Dates
There is a lot for us to enjoy between now and the end of term. Please check the list below for activities/ events that may involve your daughter.
Date
Event
Monday 23 June Y10 & Lower Sixth Flamingo Land Trip
Monday 23-25 June Y9 Lakeside Residential
Tuesday 24 June Year 1 and 2 Tynemouth Aquarium Visit
Time (if relevant)
Tuesday 24 June Upper Sixth Leavers Service- St Oswald’s Church 2.30pm-4.00pm
Wednesday 25 June Prep Sports Day 9.30 – 12.30
Wednesday 25 June Pre-Prep Sports Day 2pm – 3.30pm
Wednesday 25 June Year 11 Prom 6pm – 11pm
Thursday 26 June
Upper Sixth Leavers Dinner 6.30pm-8.30pm
Thursday 26-28 June Silver DofE Assessed
Thursday 26 June Y8 and Y9 NHS Vaccinations (for girls who have missed them) 9 – 10am
Thursday 26 June
Upper Sixth Leavers’ Dinner
Friday 27 June Y6 Play 7.00pm-9.00pm
Saturday 28 June Whole School Open Morning 9.30am-12.30pm
Saturday 28 June DHS Live! 2.00pm-5.00pm
Monday 30 June Y6 Celebration 2.00pm-3.30pm
Monday 30 June Art Show 4.30pm-6.00pm
Tuesday 1 July
Wednesday 2 July
Senior Sports Day
Y8 Activities Trip to Barnard Castle
Wednesday 2- 24 July Sri Lanka Projects Abroad and Sports Tour
Thursday 3 July Welcome Day
Friday 4 July
Final Day of Term Normal time