Empowerment Conference

On Tuesday 12^th July, Mrs Keaney and Mr Read accompanied Darrick Wood students from Years 7-12 to the first annual Empowerment Conference hosted by Langley Park School for Girls. The Empowerment Conference was a celebration of strong female leaders and pioneers across a range of different industries, who delivered keynote speeches. The guest speakers included Melissa Cummings-Quarry and Natalie A. Carter – authors of “Grown: The Black Girls’ Guide to Glowing Up” and founders of Black Girls’ Book Club, Akina Gondwe, Worcester Warriors Rugby player and Musical Artist Eleni C, the London based, award-winning pop singer and songwriter. Eleni C also gave a live performance and features in the photo attached below. Baroness Floella Benjamin, Member of the House of Lords for Beckenham, TV presenter and author of “Coming to England”, “Sea of Tears”, and “My Two Grannies” was also there. It was a fantastically inspiring day which the students gained a lot from. We look forward to what next years’ Empowerment Conference will hold.

Arts Award

All 110 Year 9 students who entered, achieved the Bronze Arts Award! There were also 9 who entered the Silver Arts Award and also passed. This is a really tough award and they have done so brilliantly. Well done in particular to Oiivia A, Hannah C, James M, Emily F, Amelia P, Kate S, Lucy S, Olivia W and Felicity W.

Music news

Re-establishing a cycle of ensembles, rehearsals and performance opportunities has been the number one priority for the Music Department this year. We were very proud of all our young people who contributed to the Summer evening concert held in the Main Hall on Wednesday. It was excellent to hear the Year 7 newly-formed singing group performing with such passion and enthusiasm. We also had three student rock bands and our jazz band performing many original songs and classics from Elton John, through to Oasis and Amy Winehouse.  The Senior vocal group were excellent with their a cappella performance of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity”. The solos were very professionally delivered, well-rehearsed and it was lovely to have such varied contributions ranging from students who have only been learning for a few months to those who are about to sit diploma examinations.

It was so good to hear so many students offer vocal solos, and small group work. The Music Department looks forward to this area of musical life really developing over the next year. Little Big Band contributed a Motown vibe to the excellent evening, and we look forward to them performing at the Year 7 Everybody Sings event next term which will have a Motown emphasis. Thank you to all the parents/carers and staff who attended on such a sweltering day. Well done to all students who participated and worked so hard to make this such an amazing evening.

Year 12 work experience

Year 12 students have been taking part in work experience placements this week. We have been so impressed by the communications back from employers on what a difference our young people have made in the work place. Well done all involved.

DWS Art Showcased Locally

In February 2022, Kent law firm, Clarkson Wright & Jakes invited students from local secondary schools to produce a piece of art that reflects the community in which we live and work.  Over 80 entries were received which made shortlisting their favourite pieces a difficult task. Eight finalists from Darrick Wood School were chosen to feature on the newly painted walls of CWJ’s office in Orpington. 

On Wednesday 29th June, CWJ opened its doors to welcome the eight students from Darrick Wood School and their families and teachers to a private viewing of the artwork and to celebrate the young people’s achievement.

Managing Partner, Amanda Mehlin said, “We are delighted to give local school pupils a chance to showcase their artistic talents and liven our office walls, plus it’s a great talking point for staff and visitors.”

Head of Art, Mr Radford said, “It was great to be able to showcase our students’ fantastic artwork at CWJ and the Art Department would like to thank CWJ for putting on such an amazing competition and private view.”

World Class opportunities

As we approach the end of the school year and a much needed summer break, the World Class Schools organisation has two seriously #worldclass holiday activities for students to get involved with.

WCSQM Essay Competition 2022: 

Demonstrate your World Class skills

To celebrate World Youth Skills Day we are asking World Class students to send us a photo and an explanation of one World Class characteristic they have demonstrated over the summer, which we will feature on our website. Details below:

PSFA Quiz night

The PSFA is planning a quiz night on Friday, 7th October. Please save the date and start thinking about getting your team together. Teams can be up to eight but smaller numbers can be put together on the night if needed so that everyone gets to participate.

Rough Diamonds update

More episodes of Rough Diamonds went out on BBC Radio Kent this week. Click here to listen:

DWS Audio (darrickwood.bromley.sch.uk)

Holiday Activities and Food Programme

The London Borough of Bromley would like to update you on the Holiday Activities and Food programme this Summer 2022. There are a number of exciting activities with nutritious meals, free to all children who are eligible for free school meals or children and young people that are in Bromley under the Homes for Ukraine or Family Placement Scheme. Each provision will offer eligible children the opportunity to enjoy fun activities that will enable them to develop new skills, build confidence and meet new friends outside of term time.

Please visit Bromley Council’s website at Holiday activities and food programme – London Borough of Bromley and book directly with the provider of your choosing. Please book this as soon as possible in order to get the activities you want in a location near you.

Last day of term

Students will be dismissed from 12.30pm onwards. Usual school uniform requirements are expected to apply.

Reminder

Please see the email from school today regarding measures being taken during the hot weather expected on Monday and Tuesday.

Also, we were informed at the end of Friday that due to an electricity supply issue locally, UK Power Networks were having to do works at the junction between our driveway and Lovibonds Avenue. We are unaware at this stage of the length of time it will take to correct the issue with the electricity cable that is at fault. The supply to the school is unaffected, but the works may cause issues with access to the School should they last beyond today or the weekend.

Dates for the diary

Friday, 22nd July – End of term – early close

Thursday, 18th August – A level results day

Thursday, 25th August – GCSE results day

Wednesday, 31st August – Start of term (PD Day – staff only)

Thursday, 1st September – Years 7 and 12 start

Friday, 2nd September – All other year groups return

Wednesday, 5th October – Open Evening

Monday, 17th – Friday 28th October – Half-term break

Monday, 19th December – Monday, 2nd January – Christmas Holidays. Return to school Tuesday, 3rd January