This week

Assemblies this week have covered the theme of choices, freedom and equality. The civil rights movement in the USA, in particular the pivotal roles played by people such as Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr., were used to illustrate how individual choices and decisions can lead to positive change. Students were encouraged to consider how they can contribute to helping society become more equal and reminded that how they speak to each other, to friends and family can make a difference to how people feel.

We do not yet have a total for the money raised in Monday’s Own Clothes Day, but we are hopeful it is a considerable sum. If you have not yet had the chance to donate, please do so via the function in ParentPay.

We have been most impressed by the majority of our students who have adjusted quickly to the latest change regarding face masks. They continue to wear these around school, but most now are not wearing them in classrooms. The government has stated that they will not be worn in other areas of the School from Thursday next week.

We will continue to review our other systems and structures put in place to manage the School during the pandemic and will let you know when there are any further changes to be implemented.

More great news about DWSAudio

International Arts UK has informed us that Darrick Wood School has been chosen as one of six UK Schools and universities to participate in an EU-funded audio drama project. This means that we will be making two audio dramas in collaboration with a European school during this academic year. We have been assigned a French playwright who is going to work with some of our students to write a script which we will then record at a later date. This exciting news follows on from the debut of Rough Diamonds on BBC Radio Kent last week.

We continue to encourage all year groups to be involved in at least one additional club or society. This is a fundamental part of our personal development curriculum as we know that activities in addition to normal lessons can be transformational in developing confidence as well as other key life skills such as communication and team work.

Our under-14 girls’ football team’s match in the semi-finals of the Kent Cup was postponed last weekend, but they played during the week instead. They have done so well to reach this stage so will be disappointed to have lost the match away at Rochester Grammar School on penalties. We are sure they will come back stronger and have many winning matches ahead of them. Well done to all involved.

Reminders

Darrick Wood School has always had a strict uniform policy and Sixth Form dress code. We pride ourselves in our students’ smart appearance.  Please ensure you are aware of the School’s policies on this (available on the website). If, for any reason, your child is not able to adhere to the full code, please ensure they have a note in their planner and they show this to their Form Tutor. Please check things that are sometimes less noticeable – ear studs (one plain stud in each ear lobe only), make-up, sock colour etc. False eye lashes are not allowed to be worn in school as they are a form of make-up. Trainers and boots are not allowed.

We are grateful that the vast majority of parents/carers always park with consideration for our neighbours and do not block driveways in the surrounding area. Unfortunately we are still in receipt of complaints about a minority who disregard this polite request. Please also avoid parking near the School and never stop on the zig zag area during the time this is prohibited.

Dates for the diary

3rd February – Year 11 Parents’ Evening

8th to 10th February – School Production of Grease

14th to 18th February – Half-term break

24th February – Year 12 Parents’ Evening