Durham High School End of Week Newsletter
Issue 19 – 9 February 2025
Dear Parents
It is always a privilege to be Headmistress of our wonderful school, but this week, the girls and staff have taken my pride to new heights.
We marked National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) with a special assembly on Friday, led by Form 10H. Their insightful and thought-provoking presentation explored the achievements of female athletes, the positive impact of sports participation for women and girls, and the ongoing fight for equality in sport. They highlighted the barriers that have historically limited female participation and the challenges that still exist today.
A highlight of the assembly was the exclusive interview videos featuring members of staff, who bravely revealed their own sporting preferences and the reasons behind their choices thank you to Mrs Sutcliffe and Mrs Cowey for sharing their experiences.
We also took a moment to express our appreciation for our exceptional PE Department: Mrs Jenkinson, Miss Cartwright, and Miss Bingham, who are led with great passion by our Director of Sport, Mrs Slane. They serve as inspiring role models, making PE enjoyable and accessible for all girls. You can read Mrs Slane’s article on the benefits of sport for girls, how it empowers young women, and the importance of positive female role models. Click here to read the story.
I would like to extend my congratulations to our U15 Netball Team for winning all their league matches and qualifying for the U15 Regional Schools’ Tournament, held last Saturday. Despite being a year younger than their competitors, the team displayed remarkable effort and determination, competing against the best teams from South Durham, Cleveland, Northumberland, and Tyne and Wear. Their resilience and positivity throughout the tournament were commendable, and to finish 6th in the North East is a fantastic achievement. Well done to all players, and a special mention to Chloe, who was named Player of the Tournament. It was a pleasure to invite them onto the stage in assembly yesterday to recognise their accomplishments, and I look forward to meeting with them on Monday to sign the Excellence Book.
You can read more about our sporting achievements this week, across all year groups including Football, Badminton, and Netball in the ‘Sports Update’ section below.
The High School has also been engaged in Children’s Mental Health Week, in collaboration with Place2Be, who partnered with the characters from Inside Out 2 to explore the importance of understanding and expressing emotions. Through this initiative, we learned how self-awareness and emotional expression can build resilience and personal growth. Thank you to Amy, one of our Deputy Head Girls, and Ruth, our Mental Health Prefect, for planning and delivering Monday’s assembly, which encouraged us all to take time for ourselves and engage with the extensive extra-curricular programme designed to support positive mental health.
We are also grateful to Mrs Wheeler and Mrs Lonsdale, our Senior Department Mental Health Leads, for championing this initiative. You can read later in the newsletter about the activities Mrs Hall, our Pre-Prep and Prep Pastoral and Mental Health Lead, organised for our younger girls during Children’s Mental Health Week.
Thank you to all our guests who attended the Scholars’ concerts on Tuesday and Wednesday. It was a pleasure to speak with so many of you during the intervals. Our girls showcased their outstanding talents in Dance, Drama, Music, and Performing Arts. Their dedication and passion were evident in their ambitious performances, executed with great professionalism. A special thank you to Mrs Lonsdale, Mrs Lawrence-Wills, Mrs Crinson, Mr Bell, and all our Peripatetic teachers for their commitment to nurturing creativity and talent in our girls.
Wishing you all a great week ahead!
Best wishes
Mrs Michelle Hill Headmistress
Pupil Absence and Attendance
We kindly remind you that the morning register closes at 9:05 am. As per government attendance regulations, any girl arriving after this time will be marked as ‘U’ which means late after registers close and is counted as unauthorised absence for that session. All absences for girls aged 3–18, including those in the sixth form, must be reported by 9:30 am. If we do not receive notification, our admin team will follow up with a call to confirm the reason for the absence.
Thank you for your support in helping us maintain clear communication and keeping your daughters safe.
Junior Team Maths Challenge
This week, four students from Years 8 and 9, represented Durham High School at the Junior Team Maths Challenge, held at Durham Johnston. Competing against 15 other schools from across the region, the girls demonstrated exceptional teamwork, enthusiasm, and problem-solving skills. Their positive attitude throughout the day was fantastic, and they should be incredibly proud of their achievement.
Year 3 and 4 Explore the Poetry of Paul Cookson
This week, Year 3 and 4 have been immersing themselves in the world of British poet Paul Cookson. From reading his poems to performing them with enthusiasm, the girls have truly embraced the art of poetry.
As part of their exploration, they have developed some fantastic performance techniques, including using expression, adding actions, and experimenting with dynamics to bring the words to life. Their creativity and confidence shone through in their brilliant performance of There's a Big Bad Bug in My Lunchbox!
Senior Sports Update
Our U16 Football team gave a fantastic performance in the Tyne and Wear Tournament. They secured a 5-2 win against John Spence and a 1-1 draw against King’s Priory to finish joint first. Linnea demonstrated excellent leadership skills as the captain and was awarded Player of the Tournament for the superb goals she scored.
In the County round of the National Schools' Badminton Competition, despite facing tough opposition our KS3 team played well gaining further experience of competitive play. Congratulations to our player of the tournament, Robyn for her performance in her singles and doubles games.
Our KS4 team beat St Anthony's School 5-0 and Durham Johnston 3-2 in closely contested games resulting in them wining the tournament. They now progress to the regional round which will be held at York in March. Congratulations Annabelle, Ananya, Isabella, and Chloe. Chloe was awarded player of the tournament having won all of her games.
In friendly matches against Newcastle High School on Wednesday, the U18's lost against their 1st team and our U15's won 19-9 against their 2nd team. Well done to all players and to our Players of the Match, Grace and Ananya.
Well done to our U13 and U14 Netball teams following their matches against Yarm School on Monday night. Against Yarm's B team, the U14 team won 14-7 and in an end to end match the U13 team lost 29-30. Congratulations to our Players of the Match, Mia (Y9) and Carola Elin (Y8).
When the U12 Area Netball Tournament was cancelled, our teams took the opportunity to play friendly matches against Durham School. It was a great afternoon of netball and lovely to see the progress our players have made throughout the season. Evie was awarded Player of the Match following Team Yellow's 15-2 win and Khadeeja was awarded player of the match following Team Gold's 61 win.
Pre-prep & Prep Sports Update
It has been a busy and actionpacked week for the netball teams in prep, with the U8, U9, U10, and U11 teams competing against RGS. Each team demonstrated excellent teamwork, with the younger girls gaining confidence on the court. The older teams had some extremely exciting and competitive matches.
On Friday afternoon, the U10 and U11 teams faced Chorister School, capping off a week of impressive performances. All the girls gave their best, and they should be incredibly proud of their efforts.
Year 6 Budding Authors
The Year 6 girls have been busy writing their own books inspired by Nibbles the Book Monster by Emma Yarlett. This week, they had the wonderful opportunity to visit the Reception class and share their creative stories with the younger pupils.
There was a lovely buzz in the classroom as the Reception children listened attentively, captivated by the imaginative tales written and read aloud by the older students. It was a fantastic experience for both year groups, helping to build confidence, storytelling skills, and a love of reading in the process.
Well done to Year 6 for their brilliant work and to the Reception children for being such enthusiastic listeners.
Pupil Successes
Talullah triumphs in Lyrical Dance!
We are thrilled to celebrate Year 7 pupil, Talullah, who achieved First Place in the Lyrical Dancing competition hosted by SK Dance School at Redhouse Community Centre.
Her performance also earned her the prestigious judges’ over 11 award, a fantastic accomplishment for someone of her age!
Lyrical dance, a fusion of ballet and modern movement, requires both technical skill and emotional expression something Talullah highlighted beautifully. Her dedication, passion, and artistry shone through, impressing both the audience and judges alike.
Congratulations!
Nancy, Year 5, shines on stage at The Fire Station
Last weekend, Nancy captivated an audience of 120 with a breathtaking solo performance at The Fire Station in Sunderland. Taking to the stage as part of her Music School showcase, she delivered a stunning performance, leaving the audience in awe.
A huge well done to Nancy on this incredible achievement – we are all so proud of you.
Omhle, Year 11, explores life as a pilot with British Airways
We are incredibly proud of Omhle, who recently had the exciting opportunity to attend an insight session with British Airways, gaining firsthand experience of what it takes to become a pilot.
During the session, Omhle explored the world of aviation, learning about the skills, training, and determination required to embark on a career in the skies.
This experience has further ignited Omhle’s passion for flying, and we can’t wait to see where her journey takes her next. Well done, Omhle!
Musical Achievement – Congratulations, Isobel!
Congratulations to Isobel, Year 10, on achieving her ABRSM Grade 6 in Violin. Isobel recently displayed her exceptional talent at the Scholars’ Concert, where she performed a stunning duet with her sister, Jasmine. Well done, Isobel we look forward to hearing more of your musical journey.
Pupils of the Week in Pre-Prep and Prep:
Nursery: Harriet McC for involving herself more fully in Nursery life and for making stronger friendships.
Reception: Emma for being kind and caring towards her classmates.
Year 1&2: Seren M-T for great listening, super questioning and showing kindness towards her classmates.
Year 3&4: Annabelle for showing huge dedication and commitment to her learning by completing many pieces of extra homework.
Year 5: Isla for being an amazing role model and for a detailed emotive piece of writing.
Year 6: Olivia S for displaying a super attitude in the classroom and for being kind and caring towards the younger children in the playground.
Kira was this week’s Lingotot’s Star of the Week and was presented with a certificate for her hard work on Mathletics.
Mathilde has gained her level 7 swimming award. Well done to everyone!
Embracing Nature for Children's Mental Health Week
As part of this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week, our girls stepped outside to embrace the calming power of nature. The theme for this year "Know Yourself, Grow Yourself" encouraged reflection, selfawareness, and personal development, and what better way to embody this message than through hands-on outdoor activities?
Spending time in the fresh air, the girls engaged in mindfulness and relaxation exercises while exploring the beauty of our outdoor spaces. They also took part in a special planting activity, symbolising personal growth and resilience. By nurturing new life, they reflected on their own journeys of learning and self-discovery, reinforcing the importance of mental wellbeing.
Growing Together in Nursery & Reception
As part of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, Nursery and Reception embraced this year’s theme, "Know Yourself, Grow Yourself," in a truly special way. The children planted bulbs, reflecting on something they would like to develop within themselves as they care for their growing plants.
Each girl added a representation of themselves to their pot symbolising growth. The activity took place on a beautifully sunny day, with the sound of birdsong adding to the peaceful, spring-like atmosphere.
We rounded off our session by gathering around The Fire Circle for a heart warming story about togetherness, reinforcing the importance of nurturing not just our plants, but also ourselves and each other.
Safer Internet Day Activities at Durham High
Next week, we will be marking Safer Internet Day, with a range of activities throughout the week to promote online safety and digital awareness.
The week will begin with two assemblies on Monday 10th February:
• 9:00 am – Prep Hall (Prep pupils)
• 1:45 pm – Main Hall (Senior pupils)
On Tuesday 11th February, Prep and Pre-Prep pupils will take part in dedicated one-hour activities during lessons, while Senior pupils will explore key online safety themes during Tutor Time on both Tuesday 11th and Wednesday 12th February.
To round off the week, all students will take part in a Safer Internet quiz during Tutor Time on Thursday 13th February.
We look forward to an engaging and informative week, helping our students develop the knowledge and skills to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.
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.
11 February Year 11 Parents’ Evening 4.30pm
14 February Pre-Prep and Prep Valentine’s Disco 4.00pm
17 February Careers Talk – Applying for Medicine and Dentistry 1.05pm
17 February Year 9 Parents’ Evening 4.30pm
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)