Durham High School End of Week Newsletter
Issue 30 – 24 May 2025
Dear Parents
Considering it has been a short half term, we have certainly enjoyed an exciting, busy, and varied few weeks.
Last Saturday, we were delighted to welcome prospective Pre-Prep and Prep families to our Open Morning. It was wonderful to see Prep Hall full of smiling faces, eager to explore the fantastic opportunities Durham High can offer. I would like to thank all the teachers of Pre-Prep and Prep, as well as the girls in Years 3–6, who helped make the morning such a success. As ever, the girls were enthusiastic and confident in welcoming new families and sharing what life at Durham High is really like. We’ve received some fabulous feedback about how clearly and passionately they spoke, and parents particularly commented on the strong sense of community and warmth they experienced a sentiment we know to be true, and one that is always heartening to hear echoed by others.
Congratulations to our Year 11 and Upper Sixth girls, who have settled brilliantly into their GCSE and A Level exams. Their preparation and dedication are standing them in excellent stead. Our Senior girls have also approached School Exam Week with huge resilience, and I am incredibly proud of them all. The habits formed during School Exam Week, and throughout their time at Durham High, truly make a difference when they reach public examinations. A well-earned rest over the half term break is certainly deserved.
It was a real pleasure to hear from two of our Old Girls, Aziza and Isabella, who left us last summer after completing their A Levels and achieving their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Last week, they were invited to Buckingham Palace to receive their award at a special ceremony led by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward. We are immensely proud of their achievements and were thrilled to receive their photos and hear their reflections, which we have included in the body of the newsletter.
It was also lovely to meet Year 7 and 8 parents at the Paris trip meeting on Wednesday. The girls’ excitement is palpable, and with such a fantastic itinerary planned, we know they’re in for a memorable trip during the first week back.
A heartfelt thank you to all our Pre-Prep and Prep grandparents who joined us on Friday afternoon. Your granddaughters, and in some cases, great-granddaughters did you proud. We enjoyed beautiful class performances followed by classroom visits and, of course, plenty of cream scones and cakes. It was a joyful afternoon.
As mentioned in last week’s newsletter, we’ve included reminders about uniform expectations for the Senior Department, which we will continue to highlight in future editions. Please do remember to place orders with Emblematic either through the shop in school or online via our website in good time for September.
We also warmly invite you to be part of our Parent Voice group. The first session will take place the week beginning 9 June (exact date to be confirmed). Your views are important to us and will help shape the next chapter of Durham High School.
Looking ahead, we have another exciting half term with Sports Days, trips and visits, Upper Sixth Leavers’ celebrations, DHS Live, our annual Colour Run, and the Old Girls’ Lunch and AGM. Do keep an eye on the key dates at the end of the newsletter and on our website.
Wishing you all a restful half term with plenty of time for family fun. There isn’t much planned in the Hill household due to A Level revision, but a trip to Scarborough and a day out at Brimham Rocks are on the cards.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support, it is both appreciated and invaluable.
Best wishes
Mrs Michelle Hill
Headmistress
Pupil Celebrations
Congratulations to Thea, who had a fantastic weekend with her football team, Durham Utd U7 Leopards. The team competed in the St Francis Tournament in Hartlepool and came away as winners of ‘The Plate’! Her impressive performance was recognised by the coaches, who awarded her the ‘Player of the Final’ medal. This is a brilliant example of the strong link between Durham High and Durham United, who run training sessions in school every Friday for our Prep girls and girls outside of Durham High. Well done, Thea!
Netball Success
A number of girls from Durham High recently took part in netball tournaments over the weekend, representing their clubs. Carola, Elin, Esmée (U13s), Evie, Lucy (U12), India, Zaria and Saffa (U10/11s) all competed with the Durham Palatinates Netball Club, travelling to Milton Keynes and Rhyl for two exciting events.
Each of the girls performed brilliantly, showing great teamwork, determination, and skill across both weekends. Their efforts contributed significantly to their teams’ success, with individual recognition awarded to Esmée, Evie, and India, who were each named ‘Coaches’ Player’. In addition, Evie, India, and Zaria were voted ‘Players’ Player’ by their teammates.
We are always touched that the resilience and determination we endorse within school contributes in such a positive way to activities outside of school.
Lucy and her U11 team had a fantastic time on tour in North Wales with Durham Palatinates! Plenty of smiley faces, great matches, and brilliant coaching from DHS Old Girl, Anna Slane. Lucy and her family are so grateful for the wonderful opportunities the club provides. Well done, Lucy!
Achieving the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a significant accomplishment that demonstrates a pupil’s commitment, resilience, and personal growth. It reflects their dedication to helping others, developing new skills, staying physically active, and undertaking challenging experiences like the expedition and residential. Earning this prestigious award is a proud milestone that is recognised by universities and employers alike. Congratulations to Aziza and Isabella. It looks like you had a wonderful day!
Gold Duke of Edinburgh Ceremony at Buckingham Palace
Our Year 6 girls enjoyed a fun afternoon of cricket in the sunshine on Friday 16 May. Each of our teams played two matches against Choristers and performed really well, winning three out of the four games. It was wonderful to see the girls developing their understanding of the game, along with the improvements they made to their bowling. Well done to all players, and to our Players of the Match: Mariam, Ananya, Caia, and Sofia.
Our U10 girls enjoyed a fantastic morning of cricket at the RGS Festival on Monday. Both teams played brilliantly, growing in confidence with their batting and bowling as the morning progressed. Well done, girls!
A big well done to the U8 and U9 cricket teams who played a fixture against Newcastle High School on Tuesday morning. There was fantastic batting and fielding all round, and everyone had a fabulous morning in the sunshine!
English Speaking Union Competition
Izzy and Zoe (Year 8) had a wonderful trip to Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Wakefield to compete in the regional finals of the English-Speaking Union’s Performing Shakespeare competition. The girls performed their monologues from Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream in front of the judging panel and other contestants and received some wonderful individual feedback on their performances. Although disappointed not to get through to the Grand Final in June, it was inspiring to see the wealth of talent on display in a hardfought, yet good-natured and supportive competition.
The Performing Shakespeare competition is open to girls from Years 7–9, so Izzy and Zoe are definitely keen to compete again next year, hopefully joined by many other girls eager to tread the boards and explore some of Shakespeare’s greatest plays. The competition begins with an in-school round, which will be held in the Autumn Term, so look out for more information in September.
Y8 FBM Team Impresses at Beamish Museum for Challenge 5 Pitch Day!
On Wednesday 21 May, our brilliant Year 8 Future Business Magnates (FBM) team returned to Beamish Museum for the much-anticipated Challenge 5 Pitch Day. Over the past five weeks, the team had been hard at work developing a business stall and refining their innovative idea and this was their big moment to share it with the public!
The team confidently pitched their business to both members of the general public and a surprise mystery shopper. Their creativity and professionalism shone through, earning them fantastic and encouraging feedback.
We are incredibly proud of the girls and their efforts.
With just one challenge left presenting their idea to a panel of judges the competition is heating up! The final Awards Ceremony will follow shortly after… so watch this space for more exciting updates!
Want to support the team?
You can learn more about DHS’s business idea and cast your vote to help them win here: https://www.durhamstartups.co.uk/future-business-magnates/showcaseentry/?id=7
Wellbeing Hub- latest news
You may have noticed the section in last week’s Mental Health Newsletter inviting you to register with the Wellbeing Hub to access free resources and advice around wellbeing and mental health. If you have not yet managed to register, please follow this link Parents - Teentips Wellbeing Hub
This coming week, you will be able to access a new podcast: The Relationship Between Challenging Behaviour, Diet and Nutrition with Lucinda Miller, bestselling author and Founder and Clinical Lead of NatureDoc.
Pre-Prep & Prep Pupils of the Week
This week’s amazing Pupils of the Week in Pre-Prep and Prep were:
Nursery: Selina for settling so well into Nursery.
Reception: Charlotte for giving of her best in all areas.
Y1&2: Molly for super resilience in a tricky piece of work and for great concentration in lessons.
Y3&4: Maya G for producing a wonderful nonchronological report packed with well-chosen vocabulary.
Y5: Florrie for being a wonderful member of the class and for producing thoughtful, detailed work in English.
Y6: Shaan for working hard in Maths lessons and for accurate use of a protractor when drawing pie charts.
Charlotte (Reception) was the Lingotot’s Star of the Week.
Mrs Hopper thanked all the girls who had shown families around School at last Saturday’s Pre-Prep and Prep Open Morning and presented Laura (Year 6) with a Headteacher’s Award for delivering her speech so confidently.
Outside of school, Rose (Year 4) has been promoted to Seconder of the Rabbits at her Brownie Pack. Neive has earned a trophy in her Acroflex class.
Well done, everyone!
Pre Prep and Prep Grandparents Day
A highlight of our amazing events is Grandparents’ Day, where we take some time to show just how important and appreciated they are for all the guidance and support they so freely give. After a welcome coffee, the girls took to the stage to perform a short but brilliant concert, showcasing their musical talents. This was followed by a tour of the PrePrep and Prep spaces, where the girls beamed with pride as they shared some of the work they had been doing in class and the topics they were studying.
We ended the day with refreshments and a slice (or two) of cake because it wouldn’t be a Durham High School event without it! A very successful way to round off what has been a brilliant end to the term.
‘Bikeability’ News
It’s all been getting even more exciting in Nursery, as we have recently been accepted onto the ‘Bikeability Scheme’ and have received a free delivery of six balance bikes and six helmets for the youngest DHS children to use. Two of our teaching assistants have also completed a half-day of training each, equipping them with the skills to deliver the ‘Bikeability’ curriculum.
Last Friday was their first session with the Nursery children, during which they learned how to independently put on and adjust their helmets correctly, how to pick up and set down their bikes carefully, and how to position themselves when testing the brakes and feeling the tyres. We are sure they will pick up these skills quickly and be balance riding in no time at all!
Classics Dramatisation
On Friday afternoon, Yasmeen and Ava from Lower Sixth attended a dramatisation of Cicero’s prosecution of Verres at the Literary and Philosophical Society in Newcastle. Prior to the event, our Sixth Formers joined other students from across the North East in workshops to analyse the speeches on Verres and contribute to writing a play with professional actors.
The dramatisation was followed by an on-stage discussion of the events, featuring Dr Marta Garcia-Morcillo and Dr Kathryn Tempest in conversation with the students.
Old Girls Summer Lunch
Our Old Girls network is an important part of the Durham High legacy and a tribute to those who have gone before us who share the unique experience of life at our school. We are celebrating our alumni with a summer lunch on Saturday 21 June. If you know an Old Girl who would like to join us, please do share the invitation within your network.
You can book here: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/ERHZ
It promises to be an afternoon of good food and memorysharing with a like-minded community.
Netball Camps Return to Durham High School This Half
Term!
We are pleased to let you know that our popular Netball Camps are returning to Durham High School during the May half-term holidays, open to girls aged 8–12 years. The camp will take place on Tuesday 27 May, from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, and is open to all girls whether they currently attend Durham High School or not.
Players will enjoy a fun and active day filled with games, group drills, individual skill development, and plenty of match play. To book a place for your daughter, please click here or email NetballCoachingCamps@gmail.com for more information
Uniform – Important updates
School Bags - At Senior Department School Council, the girls raised the possibility of going back to having a Durham High school bag as part of the Senior Department uniform requirement. We thought this was a great idea and are currently working with a supplier to provide a few different styles (Rucksack and shopper style) for the girls to be able to select from. These will be plain black with the school logo and have the girls initials on them, and will fit their laptops, so no need for an additional laptop bag.
From September, these will be compulsory for girls in Year 7 –10. Year 11 may continue to bring their own bag, providing it is plain black, non-designer and has no logos. If Year 11 would like to purchase a school bag, they may if they wish too.
Coats – Girls do not need to bring coats to school in the Summer Term. If you are getting ready to buy new coats for the Autumn Term, please ensure they are plain black with no logos at all. They must not be designer or branded, unless it is one of the DHS coats which can be purchased from the school shop.
School Skirts Y6 - Y11– Many of our girls have had a growth spurt recently. Please ensure that if your daughter’s school skirt is not sitting on her knee, that she has a new skirt for September. These can be ordered from the school shop.
Water Bottles – As stated in previous correspondence, all water bottles should be transparent and not hold more than 1 litre of water. Girls should only be bringing water to school and can top them up from the water coolers throughout the day.
All girls need to come to school with a water bottle, especially in the summer term with the weather being so hot.
Thank you for your continued support in maintaining our high standards.
Key Dates
Date
Monday 2 June
Event
Summer term begins
Monday 2 – 3 June Y10 Geography Field Trip to Grasmere
Tuesday 3- 4 June
Time (if relevant)
Connections Drama Festival (Y10 GCSE and L6 A Level
Wednesday 4 – 6 Y7 London Trip
Monday 9 June Interact Y7 Event
Monday 9 June Year 10 Parents’ Evening 4.30- 7pm
Tuesday 10 June L6 UCAS Evening 6.00 – 7.30pm
Wednesday 11 June
UCAS Day Lower Sixth
Wednesday 11 June Prep Concert 6.30pm – 8pm
Thursday 12 June Parent and Daughter Tennis 6.00pm – 8.30pm
Friday 13 June
Friday 13 June
Y8 HPV Vaccinations During the day
UCAS Discovery Day at Utilita Arena Newcastle
Saturday 14 June Y5 Outreach Rehearsals All day
Saturday 14 – 15 June Bronze DofE Assessed
Monday 16 – 20 June Tenner Challenge
Tuesday 17 June Y5 Outreach Dress Rehearsal
Wednesday 18 June Y7 Geography Field Trip
Friday 20 June Colour Run 1.30pm-3.30pm
Saturday 21 June Old Girls AGM 11.00am-12.00pm
Saturday 21 June OGA Summer Lunch 12.00pm- 3.00pm
Monday 23 June Y10 & Lower Sixth Flamingo Land
Monday 23-25 June Y9 Lakeside Trip
Tuesday 24 June Upper Sixth Leavers Service 2.30pm-4.00pm
Thursday 26 June
Upper Sixth Leavers Dinner 6.30pm-8.30pm
Thursday 26-28 June Silver DofE Assessed
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! 1.00pm-5.00pm
Monday 30 June Y6 Celebration 2.00pm-3.30pm
Monday 30 June Art Show 4.30pm-6.00pm
Wednesday 2 July Y8 Activities Trip to Barnard Castle
Wednesday 2- 24 July Sri Lanka Projects Abroad and Sports Tour
Friday 4 July
Final Day of Term Normal time