NORTH DURHAM ACADEMY

A message from Mark Gray, Head Teacher

It always fills me with pride when reflecting on the year that has passed, the journey our wonderful students have been on over the last 12 months, and how hard our amazing staff have worked to enable that journey to be an enjoyable and success one.

At this time in the academic calendar, our Y11 students have completed all of their GCSE’s, had their prom celebration and have left the academy, only to return to collect their results I for one, alongside the rest of the staff, are very much looking forward to results day where our Y11 students will receive that vital piece of paper which will open the door to their future. I have been incredibly proud of Y11 over the last 12 months. They have given their all to be as prepared for their exams as possible by attending Get Exam Ready sessions, breakfast and lunch time revision sessions, school holiday revision and Saturday revision

At the opposite end of the academy, we recently welcomed Y6 students who will, in September, become Y7 students into the academy for transition It was a pleasure to see so many happy, smiley faces for the three days and we are very much looking forward to them becoming part of the NDA family

It has been a very busy and exciting few months with lots of trips and events taking place. We have had students attend a football trip to Spain, a skiing trip to Italy as well as many other educational and recreational trips. Many of our students have engaged with STEM practitioners who have been into the academy to work with students in Science The Brilliant Club has been a huge success with students being recognised by Lecturers at the University for their excellent effort and achievements. I am delighted to share that our GirlsGetSet - STEM team recently won the UK-wide Innovation prize for the best solution in the Project! It is an amazing accolade for the group and I know that Dr Varanasi is particularly proud of the group who brought back a wonderful trophy to mark their national achievement The good news does not stop there, we have also had success with our group of budding future business leaders, who have gone from strength to strength this year, again winning awards for their excellence. There are but a few examples of the profound ability our students posses and I feel very humbled by not only their achievements, but the manner in which they have conducted themselves and represented North Durham Academy

As we look toward to the coming academic year in September, I would like to take a moment to thank all students, their parents/carers and all staff for their continued hard work, support and dedication to making North Durham Academy a happy, safe and positive place to learn, visit and work We could not do what we do, without you