Dealing with traumatic and challenging events

8th October 2025Louise Gatti

When young people go through something traumatic – such as bereavement, bullying or a family crisis – it can take time to make sense of what they’re feeling. That’s where adult guidance can make all the difference. This week’s Wake up Wednesday guide offers helpful tips for parents and educators supporting children and young through difficult experiences.

From fostering a sense of safety to recognising when specialist help might be needed, the guide is full of practical ideas for creating a compassionate, stable environment that supports recovery. It’s a reassuring read for anyone who wants to be there for a young person going through tough times.

International Edition of Duke’s Journal

1st October 2025Louise Gatti

This year, I had the privilege of organising the visit of Röntgen-Gymnasium Remscheid to our school on Wednesday, 1st October. The visit celebrated the eleventh year of our valued partnership, a twinning that has continued to grow in strength and significance. Even during the challenges of COVID, when travel was not possible, our schools maintained their connection through virtual collaboration. This enduring relationship reflects our ongoing commitment to international collaboration and is a key part of what underpins our British International School status.

The German students fully immersed themselves in the life of Duke’s by joining our pupils in a wide range of lessons throughout the day. They practised their English-speaking skills while actively participating in Art lessons on portraiture, History lessons exploring Henry VII, and Music lessons where they took part in drumming circles. In Design Technology, they learned about the principles of graphic design, while in PE they joined our students in team sports, building teamwork and communication. They also engaged in French, Science, RE, and ICT lessons, gaining a true sense of the school day at Duke’s.

Our students were thrilled to collaborate with their German peers, sharing perspectives and working side by side in ways that promoted cross-cultural understanding, confidence-building, and curiosity. The experience not only broadened academic learning but also fostered friendships, global awareness, and a deeper appreciation of diversity in a hands-on, immersive way.

I am especially grateful to our staff for their support and flexibility in welcoming our guests into lessons, ensuring the visit was both smooth and meaningful. I would also like to thank everyone for their encouragement and advice in helping to make this memorable experience possible.

 

Thank you

Miss Mckinney

 

We would like to share the enriching experience our students had during our recent visit to
Duke‘s NCEA Secondary School. This exchange was a unique opportunity for cultural
immersion and personal growth.
During their stay, our students met their British pen pals, which was a highlight of the visit.
They were warmly welcomed into classrooms, allowing them to experience a typical school
day in England firsthand. This interaction not only enhanced their language skills but also
fostered meaningful friendships.
The openness and warmth of the British students and teachers left a lasting impression on
our all of us.
This partnership has strengthened the ties between our schools, and we look forward to
future exchanges.

Miss

You can click here to download the PDF file. 

EA FC 26

1st October 2025Louise Gatti
It’s kick-off time again. EA FC 26 is out now. With updated teams and familiar gameplay, it’s sure to be top of the wish list for many football fans, but beneath the slick presentation are some pitfalls that parents and educators should know about – especially in the game’s online and spending features.

Our #WakeUpWednesday guide this week gives you the latest on EA FC 26’s Ultimate Team feature, how scammers can target young players, and what tools and settings can help keep children safe. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a complete novice, it’s worth a read!

Youth Violence

24th September 2025Louise Gatti

 

Violence among young people is a growing concern – but we’re not powerless to act. Our latest #WakeUpWednesday guide unpacks the causes and signs of youth violence, including when and where it’s most likely to happen. It also offers compassionate, practical advice for parents, carers and educators.

From peer pressure to online influences, there are many reasons why young people may engage in or fall victim to violence. This week’s guide shares expert insight from the Ben Kinsella Trust to help parents and educators spot the risks, start sensitive conversations, and help keep children safe.
 
Meet the expert:
The Ben Kinsella Trust
The Ben Kinsella Trust is a UK anti-knife crime charity educating young people through immersive workshops, awareness campaigns, and community resources. Visit: benkinsella.org.uk

Snapchat

17th September 2025Louise Gatti

With Snapchat’s ever-evolving features, it’s essential for parents and educators to stay informed about new and emerging safeguarding risks. From AI chatbots to paid content options, this week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide takes a closer look at the platform’s most pressing dangers – plus the latest updates to be aware of.

Whether it’s sextortion, overspending on Snapchat+ or the effects of screen addiction, our guide provides up-to-date advice to help keep young users safe. It’s essential reading for any parent or educator who wants to understand Snapchat’s key risks – and support a safer, more positive experience for the children in their care 

Y6 Duke’s Secondary Open Evening 1st Oct 4-6pm

17th September 2025Rebecca Shaw

You’re invited! Come and join us…

You are invited to our Duke’s open evening on the 1st October 2025 between 4pm and 6pm! Here you will be able to meet the team and ask any questions you may have about your child’s transition into Year 7 at Duke’s Secondary School. Duke’s Secondary is the right choice for your family and we can’t wait to welcome you all into our school. Keep an eye out on our social media to hear from our students themselves!

Duke’s Templates (2)Download
Secure your child’s bright future today – click here for Northumberland County Council admissions portal

Y11 Parent/Carers’ Evening 24th September 4-6:30pm

16th September 2025Louise Gatti

17 September 2025 

Dear Parent/Carer 

Year 11 Parents/Carers Evening – Wednesday 24 September 2025 

On Wednesday 24th September we will be providing you with an important opportunity to discuss a number of aspects of your child’s  education at Duke’s, from 4.00pm – 6.30pm. Over the course of the evening, you will be able to: 

Discuss the Results of the Y10 Mock Exams and the Current Academic Progress of Your Child 

As the students begin Year 11, you will have the opportunity to speak to teaching staff and discuss the progress that has been made  over the course of Year 10 and what the students need to do in Year 11, to ensure that they are able to achieve at least their target  grades in the summer exams.  

Find out about Key Examination Dates in Y11 including Vocational Coursework and Exams, Full Y11 Mock Examinations and Final  Summer Exams 

With some vocational coursework taking place early in Year 11, vocational exams taking place in January and the full Year 11 mock  exam period coming up early in the new year (and the final GCSE exam period on the horizon!) it is vital that students and parents  are aware of when these take place so that they can effectively prepare to give themselves the best opportunity to be successful. 

Learn about the School Learn>Revise>Test Revision Strategy 

Parents and students are invited to speak to Mr Line about the school’s Learn>Revise>Test revision strategy and how to effectively  prepare for all exams. This will further support students as they begin to prepare for the mock examinations, vocational exams and  final exams that will take place this academic year. 

Hear from Subject Leads about Effective Revision in the Core Subjects 

Between 5.00 – 5.30pm, appointments will cease for a series of short presentations in the Main Hall by the heads of English, Maths  and Science on what students need to be doing to effectively prepare and advise for the exams they will be sitting throughout Year  11. 

Receive Advice on Careers or Other Educational Destinations 

For any students requiring advice on destinations after Year 11, our Careers Advisor, Miss Cain, will be on hand to provide support. 

All appointments will be face to face and must be booked in advance using the online School Cloud system. School Cloud will allow  you to choose your own appointment time with your child’s teachers. You will receive an email confirming your appointments once  booked. Once you have followed the guides below and logged in, the appointment booking times will appear. The appointment  booking system will be open from Wednesday 17th September at 12.00pm and will close on Wednesday 24th September at 10.00am.  

Follow this link to take you to a step by step guide for booking appointments online: Parents’ Guide for Booking Appointments 

Once you have read through the how to guide above, you will need to use this link to begin your login and start booking your  appointments: https://dukes.schoolcloud.co.uk 

Mrs Collin, our SENDCo, will also be available to speak to, should you have any queries. If your child is in the Alternative Provision  setting, then please make an appointment with Miss Cain. 

There will be light refreshments available on the evening, as well as pre loved uniform. If you do not have access to the internet or  you are unable to access the booking system, please contact the school admin office. 

Yours sincerely 

Mr B Line 

Deputy Principal

Conspiracy Theories

10th September 2025Louise Gatti

Is the truth really out there? Not when it comes to conspiracy theories, now firmly recognised as safeguarding risks posing potential harm to children in the latest update to ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ – unfortunately, young people may struggle to tell fact from fiction, especially online. This week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide explains how conspiracies can affect children’s mental health, critical thinking, and even make them vulnerable to radicalisation.

With tips on safe conversations, spotting red flags, and promoting reliable sources, our guide is a must-read for any parent or educator keen to support young minds in thinking clearly and confidently about the world around them.