Half term reflections

With the half term break now upon us it is worth reflecting on what we have achieved so far this term. A year ago life in school was very different with many restrictions in place. A year (and another lockdown) later and we can state that something nearer to normality is in place at Darrick Wood. Teachers are teaching a full curriculum and are less restricted in how they teach, although we remain mindful of the rising cases of COVID-19 locally and nationally. We have resumed assemblies for Years 7 to 11. This week’s assembly related to Black History Month was particularly thought provoking. Extra-curricular clubs are back and being developed beyond what they were before the pandemic. School trips and visits have resumed, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award also. We have the excitement of this year’s school production (Grease) to look forward to in February and much more.  Staff have issued students with over 56,000 positive House Points this term. The most frequently given positive points are for Engagement and for Challenge. Less than 10% of all House Points given are negative. This is indicative that the vast majority of students are making the most of their time in school for learning and growth and we are very proud of them. Hopefully parents are managing to see these points in the MyChildAtHome Bromcom app.

PE kit/changing rooms

As mentioned in the Parent Bulletin of 24th September, we intend to return to using our changing rooms and all students will soon attend school daily in full school uniform. Many schools reverted to this in September but we delayed this due to the uncertainties at the start of the summer.

We began the process with Year 7 and it took them a while to get used to using our changing rooms, but they are now much quicker and we are in a position to offer them our full PE curriculum as a result. There has been no measurable change in the occurrence of COVID-19 as a result of this change. We are fortunate that these recently refurbished changing rooms come with mechanical ventilation system that keeps the rooms better ventilated than many of our classrooms. Arrangements have been made to provide lockers for those that wish to have them. These will be available for those who have paid the deposit from week beginning 1st November.

From Monday, 1st November, Years 8 and 9 will also be expected to attend school daily in uniform and must bring their PE kit to get changed into on days they have PE and after school sport.

From Monday, 22nd November, Years 10 and 11 will also be expected to wear full uniform each day and get changed for PE and after school sport.

Please see further comments from the Parent Bulletin of 24th September relating to this decision.

6th Form Open Evening

Parents of students in Year 11 will today have received a letter inviting them and their children to our Sixth Form Opening Evening on Thursday, 4th November. In order have some social distancing in the Hall, we are asking those intending to come along to sign up to one of two sessions. Book your place here.

Latest from DWS Audio

You can catch episode 3 of a 5-part story here:

(29) ROUGH DIAMONDS: NO WAY OUT – YouTube

We also have five more new summer school micro dramas on the blog:

DWS Audio (darrickwood.bromley.sch.uk)

Teacher Training with Bromley Schools’ Collegiate

Please see the information below and let anyone you know who would like a career in teaching know about the event and about the opportunities for training with schools that are partners in the Bromley Schools’ Collegiate (including Darrick Wood).

PSFA Christmas Tree Sale

The PSFA are arranging a sale of Christmas trees in the school grounds on Sunday, 5th December. Further information will be sent out soon. You will be able to pre-order a tree at a good price and raise money for the PSFA at the same time.

PSFA uniform sale

A PSFA second hand uniform sale will take place at school on the morning of Saturday, 6th November. More details to follow after half term.

Events for your diary

18^th October – 29th October – HALF TERM

1st November – return to school

4th November – Sixth Form Open Evening. Details about this event aimed at those in current Year 11 will be available next week

18th November – Year 13 Parents’ Evening (SchoolCloud)

24th November – Year 8 Parents’ Evening (SchoolCloud)