Durham High School
End of Week Newsletter
Issue 9 – November 10 2024
Dear Parents
I hope you enjoyed a restful and joyful half-term break filled with wonderful family moments. It has been delightful to welcome the girls back with such eagerness, ready to embrace the exciting opportunities this term brings. This part of the school year is especially dear to me, with the festive anticipation of Christmas and all the events that bring our school community together. I look forward to connecting with many of you at our upcoming Parents’ Evenings, the Year 9 to Upper Sixth musical production of Chicago, the Christmas Fayre, the Nativity performances and Christmas concerts across both Prep and Senior departments, and, of course, our beautiful Carol Service at Durham Cathedral.
Our school has had much to celebrate this week, particularly the news of our new Strategic Partnership with The Ruthin Education Group. This collaboration will secure a bright future for generations of girls at our school, and I hope you share in our excitement for what lies ahead.
We began the week with a joyful celebration of Diwali, honouring the Hindu and Sikh traditions within our school. Maanashi and Amrit shared how Diwali is celebrated in their cultures, demonstrating the diversity and warmth that enrich our community. Following this, our Mandarin peripatetic students expressed a keen interest in presenting an assembly on Chinese New Year, an event we now eagerly anticipate!
On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of meeting our recent Excellence Book nominees for juice and cookies, celebrating their achievements and contributions. Congratulations to Breshna, nominated by Mrs Wildish for her exceptional dedication across all areas, and to Charlotte, whose stunning achievements in Art have set an exceptionally high standard. We also recognized Izzy and Sobia for their captivating monologue performances at Speech Day and the New Parent’s Supper, respectively.
On Thursday, it was wonderful to see our Year 11 students exploring Sixth Form life and A-Level courses at our Open Evening. It was equally rewarding to welcome prospective students and their families as they discovered what our Sixth Form has to offer. Our current Sixth Form students, who served as ambassadors, made us immensely proud with their warmth and enthusiasm.
This week, I have also seen the heartwarming generosity of our school community, but especially seeing the excitement of our Pre-Prep and Prep girls as they made donations to the British Legion and selected items from the Legion’s merchandise box. It is so important for our younger generations to understand the purpose of Remembrance and
the crucial work of the British Legion. My thanks go to the Interact Club for their dedication in organizing the poppy sales, and to everyone who contributed.
On Monday, our whole school will come together for a Remembrance Ceremony on the Pre-Prep and Prep playground. Wreaths will be laid by Grace, our Head Girl, on behalf of girls in Senior Department, and Lucy in Year 6 on behalf of the Pre-Prep, and Prep girls.
We invite girls involved in groups such as Brownies, Guides, Girls’ Brigade, Scouts, St John Ambulance, Air/ Police/ Army and Sea Cadets to wear their uniforms and lay a wreath in recognition of all those who have served.
Additionally, Mrs Gellately will plant a remembrance cross on behalf of all staff, honouring those who have given their lives for our freedoms. After a two-minute silence and the playing of the Last Post by Rosalind in Year 11, Form Captains will plant remembrance crosses in our Pots of Remembrance.
Looking ahead, I look forward to meeting with Year 10 parents this week to discuss how well your daughters are progressing in their GCSE studies. I am also very much looking forward to accompanying students to see War Horse at the Sunderland Empire on Thursday a moving experience that I am sure will be unforgettable! And, finally, Friday will bring our much-anticipated Bin Bag Fashion Show, with each form designing costumes based on iconic films using only recycled bin bags. I cannot wait to see the girls’ creativity and teamwork on display! Science Sparks for our Year 6 girls is returning this half term, be sure to book your places following the link at the end of the Newsletter.
Business, left the High as he was nearing He was instrumental in securing the our strategic Partnership with Ruthin Education , and it was a pleasure working with him and the Governors to bring this to thank Mr Todd for all his efforts and wish him the very best as he takes the next step towards retirement. As a result, we are currently seeking a is a super exciting time for someone to candidates, please direct them to The The link below will take you
With best wishes
Anti-Bullying Week Assembly
Next week is Anti-Bullying Week. 11D gave a very thought provoking assembly on Friday, on the subject of Anti-Bullying. Super job girls with such an important message!
At the High School, we have strict protocols in place to deal with allegations of bullying However, we are not mind readers and would encourage girls and or parents to let us know if they have any concerns around this. As soon as we are aware, we are able to intervene and investigate. We take bullying very seriously and will not tolerate it within our school community.
If you have concerns around your daughter being bullied in Pre-Prep or Prep, please contact your Class Teacher in the first instance, or Mrs Hopper. In Senior Department, please contact your daughter’s From Teacher or Head of Year
Pre-Prep and Prep Start of the Week
It has been a busy start to the half term in Pre-Prep and Prep. This week’s Pupils of the Week were:
Nursery: Verity for enjoying her time in Nursery and enjoying her learning in particular.
Reception: Jessica for working hard at home to learn her flashcards and all her words for our Christmas play.
Years 1&2: Kira for challenging herself in her work and for thoughtfulness towards others.
Years 3&4: for impressing Miss Skelton with her excellent knowledge of word classes in English.
Year 5: Zaria for working hard in Maths lessons.
Year 6: Sofia for persevering during Maths lessons and becoming much more confident in her fractions work.
Mrs Hopper presented Olivia, Keeva and Rosie with certificates in recognition of hard work with their Buddies. Théa and Ema were this week’s Lingotot’s Stars of the Week.
This week, the girls have been extremely busy outside of school with certificates, rosettes and trophies awarded in a range of sports:
Swimming: Mariam, Honey and Cameron
Tetrathlon: Lucy
Football: Théa
Gymnastics: Kira and Olivia
Cheerleading: Amiya
In addition, Rose was awarded a certificate from her drama group. Rosie was congratulated on completing a 10km bike ride, raising money for the charity ‘Mind’.
A huge ‘well done’ to everyone!
Defence Lawyer Talk for History GCSE and A Level students
Andrew Teate, a Criminal Defence Lawyer, talked to Year 10 History students and Sixth Form students about trials and what it is like to be a defence lawyer.
He explained what would happen in a case, from entering the police station, to the trial itself. He also talked about the criminal justice system and whether prison is used as a form of punishment, rehabilitation or deterrence.
Andrew also commented on some laws that are still in place today that might seem peculiar to us including handling a salmon in a 'suspicious way'! A great experience was had by all.
Children In Need Bin Bag Fashion Show and Non-Uniform AnnouncementSenior Department
On Friday 15 November, we will be holding our annual Bin Bag Fashion Show. The theme for this year's event is ‘Films’.
The Bin Bag Fashion Show is a beloved event across school, and the students’ anticipation of this year's competition has already begun. Pupils will take part in the event as a form group, working together during form time to craft their costume then modelling it on our run way.
On Monday 11 November, we are asking all students in Senior Department to bring in a £1.00 donation, and in exchange for this, the form group will receive recycled bin bags and other materials to help them craft their costumes. On Friday 15 November, students will then take part in the fashion show during lunch time.
Friday 15 November will be a non-uniform day in Senior Department, where we are asking students for a £1.00 donation. All of the proceeds raised from the Bin Bag Fashion Show and the non-uniform day will be donated to Children in Need. We thank you in advance for your help and support with these events and for helping us
Pre-Prep and Prep Sports Update
On Tuesday, Year 3 and Year 4 had a fantastic morning of football, welcoming 5 teams from local primary schools. There were some super performances and lots of opportunities to learn through match play.
Thank you to all the schools that brought teams along, and well done to everyone that took part.
Senior Department Sports Update
Our U12 Football team took part in their first match of the season against Framwellgate Moor School on Tuesday.
Despite losing, the team played well against tough opposition. The girls gave a determined performance and made great progress throughout the game
Congratulations to our player of the match, Tallulah.
Our U12 and U13 Hockey teams played friendly matches against Durham School B teams on Thursday. The U13's lost 2-4 and the U12's won 1-0 Both teams showed some fantastic attacking play and worked cohesively throughout their games.
Congratulations to Tilly and Eliana who were awarded Player of The Match.
Future Business Magnates
The Future Business Magnates (FBM) program is a series of activities and competitions that introduces young people to business and enterprise in County Durham:
• Goal: To inspire young people to become business leaders and introduce them to the basics of starting a business
• Format: School teams compete to create a business idea, with support from a local business partner
• Length: A year-long competition
• Winners: Announced at a ceremony at the end of the academic year
• Benefits: Helps young people start their journey into the world of work and enterprise
Every year the High School submits a team and we usually do exceptionally well in the competition. This year Miss Morales Salum our Business teacher and Careers Advisor had an exceedingly difficult job of selecting the team, as 20 girls applied to take part, and unfortunately only 8 places were available.
There was much excitement and anticipation on Thursday when the girls returned from their launch session. Good Luck with the competition Girls!
Mathematician of the Month
This month’s Mathematicians are:
Year 7 – Lemma
Year 8 – Katie
Year 9 – Salma
Year 10 – Lyla
Year 11 – Freya
Lower Sixth – Jasmine
Upper Sixth – Ruth
Their reasons for their nomination will be on display in the Maths Corridor. Congratulations to you all! Great achievements.
Congratulations to Rosalind in Year 11 who was awarded a Bronze Certificate in the Senior Mathematical Challenge and Ruth in Upper Sixth who was awarded a Certificate of Merit in the Mathematical Olympiad for Girls. Well done, girls!
Carol Service
Our annual Carol Service is a cherished highlight of our school calendar and a wonderful occasion to gather and celebrate the Christmas story within the beautiful setting of Durham Cathedral. This year, we warmly invite you to join us on Wednesday, 11 December, at 2:15 pm. Doors will open for visitors at 1:30 pm.
A collection will be taken during the service in aid of The Brain Tumour Charity, a vital organisation dedicated to funding groundbreaking research, providing support for those affected by brain tumours, and raising awareness about this condition. Further information can be found by clicking the link www.thebraintumourcharity.org. You can donate on the day, or can donate in advance by scanning the QR code.
Parents and Friends Pre-Prep & Prep Neon Disco
One week to go until our Pre-Prep and Prep Neon Disco!
Tickets are £5 and include: refreshments, glitter tattoos, glow sticks and a party bag for each of the girls.
Please can all girls bring their party outfits to school with them, to get changed into before the disco.
To purchase tickets please use the link below: https://form.jotform.com/242883948723370
Parents & Friends has a full calendar of events this academic year, and we would love for you to get involved! For information on purchasing tickets or volunteering, please visit the Classlist app. If you’re not yet on Classlist, simply email us at dhsparentsandfriends@outlook.com and we’ll help you get set up.
Year 6 - Science Sparks! Book your places now!
This half term at Durham High School, we are running four sessions of 'Science Sparks' where we invite Year 6 girls from primary schools across the county to join our own pupils and explore their passions for science!
We had such a brilliant time last year and can't wait to welcome you all in our fantastic labs again.
It's the Independent Schools Council Partnership Week, and at DHS, we love collaborating with local schools to explore and learn together. Science Sparks offers a fantastic opportunity to build new skills while making new friends
The workshops take place on Thursdays 4pm-5pm.
If you know of any girls who would like to be involved or if any of our current Year 6 girls would like to take part, please book your place now, or email to with any questions! https://www.trybooking.com/uk/EBDW
