We are delighted to have been awarded a Silver Award on the first step of our Artsmark journey. The award recognises all of the hard work that has been carried out by pupils and staff over the last few years to help raise the profile of arts across the wider school community.
The events referenced in our assessor feedback include DHS Live, the Gala productions and our National Council of Women conference. There were also references to all of the online art challenges that took place during lockdown and our pupils’ work and interactions with professional artists. We are among a handful of secondary schools in the region to have achieved an Artsmark award. Well done to all involved, including Mrs Sneddon-Brown who put a tremendous amount of work into our application.
Durham High School ‘Viva Las Vegas’ Ball
The Durham High School Ball is back for 2023, with the Las Vegas-themed evening taking place on Saturday 29 April at Ramside Hall Hotel. The Ball is for all members of the school community, with parents from all year groups invited, as well as Year 12 and 13 pupils, staff, Governors and Old Girls who are aged 17 years old and above. The aim is to raise money for the Parents & Friends, who do fabulous work for the benefit of all pupils at Durham High School. The cost of tickets is £45 for DHS pupils and staff, and £60 for parents and friends of the school. Details on how to book online will follow shortly.
Wellbeing Hub
We are delighted to invite you to sign up to The Wellbeing Hub, which is designed by experts to meet the social, emotional and educational needs of young people. The school has invested in membership for all parents, staff and pupils (aged 10-13 and 13+) to have access to their own dedicated areas. Pupils will be introduced to the Wellbeing Hub in the coming weeks and given the opportunity to register themselves.
As part of the membership, parents have access to:
- Training and courses
- Interviews, articles and tips
- Inspiring Futures Podcast
- Ask the Expert and live Q&As
- Other exclusive member offers
We would encourage you to sign up and take advantage of this fantastic resource. It is completely free, with the costs covered by school, and there is no need to enter a coupon code as the link below will set you up automatically. You can sign up now by clicking here. Just remember to enter the school name as ‘Durham High School’.
Early Years Space Party
Early Years have been enjoying learning about space, and they rounded off their half term of work with a fantastic space party yesterday. All of the girls (and staff) were in themed fancy dress, and all enjoyed playing space games, dancing to music and eating intergalactic food.
Sports Presentation Evening
The PE Department will be hosting their annual Sports Presentation Evening on Monday 27 March at Ramside Hall. A reminder that you can purchase your tickets now using our online system, and that the deadline for booking your place is Friday 3 March 2023.
Summer Camps at Durham High School
We are delighted to be partnering with Kings Camps to offer activity camps for 5-17-year olds at Durham High School this summer. Since 1991, Kings has offered week-long programmes with a focus on being active and having fun. Kings Camps are here this summer to make school holidays healthy, enjoyable and memorable.
The Multi-Active programme is designed for 5-14-year olds, with activities running 8.15am to 5.30pm. The amazing Red Tops kick off each week with a whole camp warm up, group games and activities. Throughout the week children enjoy core sports sessions, as well as active games and activities that foster friendships and learning. Each week ends with the Kings Games – an opportunity for families to see what their children have been up to and join in the fun.
For 15-17-year olds there is the Rookie Academy, which is a programme that provides practical coaching and work experience as well as participation in sport with like-minded friends. Rookies work alongside the Red Tops, many who go on to work for Kings and is a great addition to Records of Achievement, and a perfect start for a career working with children. The sessions at Durham High School this year will run from 7-11 August, and 14-18 August. For dates, prices and to book, visit the website or call Kings Camps Membership Team on 01142632160.
Half Term
A reminder there will be no one monitoring telephone calls in school after 6pm this evening until we return on Monday 27 February. If you have any need to contact the school, please email [email protected], but be aware that you may not receive a response before we return.
Two weeks to go until the Gala Production
We are delighted to be returning to the Gala Durham in 2023 for our annual performance, which this year will be the vibrant, energetic and heart-warming musical School of Rock. The stage show is based on the hit film and features 14 new songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber, as well as all the original songs that you may remember from the movie.
There will be evening performances from Thursday 2 March to Saturday 4 March at 7.30pm, with a matinee performance also on the Saturday afternoon at 2.30pm. Tickets are £15 for adults and £12 for concessions, with a £48 family ticket also available. You can purchase your tickets now from the Gala Durham website. We hope to see you there.
Nearly New Uniform Volunteers
The Parents and Friends are looking for some volunteers to help sort, bag and organise the Nearly New Uniform stock in school. Volunteers are sought for Thursday 2 March between 11.30am – 2.30pm, with lunch provided. Whatever time you can volunteer is greatly appreciated, so whether you are free in the morning for an hour or can pop in during the afternoon it would make real difference.
Once the stock has been sorted, the service will be re-launched, making it more convenient to order, pay for and collect your items. If you are available, please respond to the group request on Classlist or contact the school on [email protected] and we will put you in touch.
Knitting Challenge Success
There has been a tremendous effort from staff, parents and pupils in a charity knitting challenge, which has been running since Christmas. The aim of the challenge was to make as many hats as possible for premature babies in the local area. In total, there were 425 hats created, which will now be delivered to the neonatal unit at University Hospital of North Durham. Thank you for your support and the donations received.
Senior Department Careers Fair
We are still looking for some business representatives to attend our Durham High School Careers Fair next month. The fair will take place on Friday 10 March 2023 from 1.45pm-5pm. All pupils from across Senior Department will be in attendance to find out about a wide range of careers and opportunities. Parents will also be able to attend with their daughters from 4pm.
Exhibitors should arrive at Main Reception at 1pm on the day and bring photo ID. You can bring any promotional literature, banners etc and set up is possible from 1.15pm onwards. Stallholders will have a trestle table approximately 1.5m x 0.5m. If you are interested in attending on behalf of your business, please get in touch with Mrs Robinson on [email protected].
Have a peaceful half term holiday.
