Duke’s Students Dive into Creativity with ‘Strong Shores’ Puppetry Workshop

5th March 2026Louise Gatti

 

At Duke’s some Y7 and Y8 students took part in a creative workshop. It is one of many workshops created to work with different community partners to explore people’s connections to the coast. It was a puppetry workshop to get hands on   The puppets designed and created in the workshop could then be taken home or go forward to form part of a professional theatrical production that will tour seaside locations in May.
This is linked to a project called ‘Strong Shores’. This initiative is a Defra-funded, nature-based coastal resilience project that aims to strengthen British coastlines and communities against flooding, erosion, and climate change by harnessing the power of natural marine habitats.
The students who took part learnt a lot about how our coasts help protect the environment and then created their own puppets and were shown how to use them properly.

Reading for Pleasure

4th March 2026Louise Gatti

With reading for pleasure in decline, this practical guide offers ten thoughtful ways to reignite children’s enthusiasm for books. From valuing all forms of reading to broadening access to diverse materials, it explores how adults can nurture positive reading habits both at home and in school. Digital tools, audiobooks and augmented reality are also considered as engaging ways to support today’s readers.

It also highlights the power of social connection – recommending books, reading together and meeting authors – alongside the importance of modelling reading ourselves. With expert insight from literacy specialist Carl Pattison, this edition provides supportive, achievable ideas to help young people reconnect with reading and see it as a meaningful part of everyday life.

Adult Animated Content

25th February 2026Louise Gatti

Adult animated content is increasingly visible on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok and streaming services. While the bright visuals and cartoon style may seem harmless at first glance, many of these shows and clips are created specifically for mature audiences, featuring strong language, sexual references, graphic violence and unsettling themes.

This #WakeUpWednesday guide helps parents and educators understand the risks, from misleading visuals and algorithm-driven recommendations to desensitisation and edgy humour. It also offers practical advice on platform settings, open conversations and building children’s critical thinking, so young people can navigate online animation safely and confidently.

Duke’s Student Shortlisted for Fundraiser of the Year at The Community Champions event

13th February 2026Louise Gatti

Oliver Griffiths Shortlisted for Fundraiser of the Year at The Community Champions event

Duke’s Secondary is proud to celebrate the achievements of  Oliver who was shortlisted last night for the prestigious Fundraiser of the Year award.

The recognition came during The Community Champions event, which received an exceptionally high number of entries this year. Being named among the shortlisted nominees is therefore a significant accomplishment and highlights Oliver’s dedication, hard work, and commitment to making a positive difference through fundraising.

The evening was a wonderful celebration of community spirit and achievement. Although competition was strong, Oliver’s efforts stood out, and the shortlisting alone is a testament to the impact he has made.

Everyone at Duke’s Secondary is incredibly proud of Oliver and delighted to see his work recognised at such a respected and prestigious event.

Fostering A Sense Of Belonging

11th February 2026Louise Gatti

Feeling a sense of belonging plays a vital role in children’s wellbeing, confidence and gives them the ability to thrive, both academically and emotionally. This Wake Up Wednesday guide explores why belonging matters and how small, everyday interactions can make a meaningful difference in helping children feel accepted and included.

Offering ten practical, easy-to-apply tips, the guide supports parents and educators in building positive relationships, celebrating individuality and fostering inclusive cultures at home and in school. Featuring information on language choices, emotional validation and shared decision-making, this edition of #WakeUpWednesday highlights simple ways to strengthen connection and nurture a genuine sense of togetherness.