This week Life at school continues to feel a little nearer the ‘normal’ we remember pre-2020. We have held assemblies for students in Years 7 to 11. Years 7, 12 and 13 have had team building days, which seem to have gone very well. Assemblies have focussed not just on the start of a new academic year, expectations and values but also on one of our big priorities of the year – the environment. The aim will be to reduce…
Last week of term This week has given us a taste of a more normal life at school and therefore hope for the future. We hope Year 7 enjoyed their trip to Leeds Castle. They certainly seemed to have had a great time. We were also able to present awards to those with the most positive house points and some Head Teacher’s Awards. Live music (without singing) was played in the Hall for the first time since March 2020. Whilst…
Last week It was fabulous to welcome next year’s Year 7 into school for a short while last week as part of their induction. We have also planned an amazing week of summer school for them during the holidays which the vast majority have signed up for. Parents/carers of the current Year 7 will have received information about a trip to Leeds Castle in the last week of term. We have arranged this as we are very aware that this…
This week It was a shorter than usual week for students, due to the Professional Development Day on Monday, but no less busy. On the PD Day, all students were invited to continue with their creative work related to the Festival of School and College Arts. Nine education organisations came together to plan this national festival which aimed to celebrate the vital role of the arts in schools and colleges, and the fantastic work done by children and young people….
This week This week’s (virtual) assembly provided students with the opportunity to reflect on and appreciate difference in others. This built further on the past two assemblies all of which have at their heart the importance of equality and diversity in school, in our community and of course further afield. This week saw the launch of the Art Department’s Instagram site (DWS-Art) which will be used to showcase the amazing work of our students. We encourage you to check this…
This week Our virtual assembly this week was focused on Stephen Lawrence Day and students were invited to learn about both the racially motivated murder of Stephen and subsequent outcomes following the public enquiry and media attention. Students learnt about the significance of Stephen Lawrence Day as a legacy for change and a range of additional resources have been shared with Form Tutors to explore Stephen Lawrence Day with students in even greater depth. You may wish to explore Stephen…
This week Despite the cold starts to the mornings, the summer term is very much underway and it has been great to welcome all students and staff back. We hope everyone had an enjoyable and relaxing Easter break. I was very grateful that so many continued to undertake the LFD testing at home. Tutors will continue to provide new test kits as required. We have been informed that this testing looks set to continue over the weeks ahead. This week…
This week We have been very pleased with the way the majority of Darrick Wood students have returned to classroom learning and the way they have conducted themselves around school. As we approach the end of term teachers are very busy working on plans to inform the grades for Years 11 and 13 this summer, but at the same time we know each and every child needs our full attention and as ever we will do our very best to…
This week We have finally finished the LFD testing at school and home testing kits have now been distributed. If your child did not bring one home please tell them to let their tutor know and we will make arrangements. As mentioned in last week’s Bulletin, the testing at school was a massive undertaking but very much part of the strategies needed to re-open schools and in that respect has therefore been very successful. Overall, since 5th March 4637 tests…
Return of all students What a joy it has been to finally have all students back in school and in lessons today after a week of testing and phased return. I walked around much of the School this morning and was very impressed by how everyone was settling into lessons and seemingly (mostly) happy to be back! I have also been very pleased with the way students have adapted to the current COVID-19 safety guidance including the wearing of masks…