DUKE’S CADETS: Summer Camp and Glowing Inspection…

4th September 2025Rebecca Shaw

Duke’s CCF Summer Camp

Duke’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) let their light shine at Otterburn Summer Camp.

A huge well done to our Duke’s CCF! Each and every one of you were a credit to our school and we couldn’t be prouder of how you all articulated yourselves throughout the summer camp. We had countless comments from other schools and organisations in regards to the way our pupils carried themselves throughout a rather physically challenging camp. The cadets were well mannered, appreciative and gave 110% effort into everything they completed.

Taking part in various activities such as;

  • Competitive shooting on Cadet GP & air rifle.
  • Intense Fieldcraft Exercise involving fire & manoeuvre
  • Competition Day (Duke’s won a total of 3 competitions)
  • North Yorkshire Waterpark

A special shoutout to Kaiden Wright, Morgan Lamb and Isla Blake for winning awards throughout camp. As well Grace Simpson – who shot on a live firing range for the first time at summer camp and managed to out-shoot all other cadets and contingents, winning 1st prize for her impeccable shot. We are extremely proud! It takes great skill to fire such weapons, so a massive well done to Grace!

More Great News!

Duke’s Combined Cadet Force were subject to the bi-annual inspection in October, which is similar to an Ofsted inspection but for the CCF. Colonel Jeremy Dodd from the RRF came to inspect the running and effectiveness of Duke’s contingent. After a long wait, we finally have the report back!

We are absolutely delighted to announce that Duke’s CCF received 4/5 Above Standards thanks to the hard work from the CCF, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer’s (CFVA), SLT and our wonderful cadets. Our last standard was based on adult recruitment which we came out as ‘Standard’ on this one. Colonel Jeremy Dodd stated in the report “Overall a very successful Contingent who is on an upward trend” and “most of the cadets were aiming to achieve their 1-star qualification, with a healthy group aiming to achieve their 2-star award. Training was conducted at the right level with good resources”.

Help us to inspire the next generation…

Despite all of the praise received from the reviewing officer and other organisations – one thing which was made apparent was the lack of adult volunteers on the team. We have a wonderful team of dedicated and professional CFAV’s here at Duke’s, but we’re very quickly becoming outnumbered!

Do you want to inspire the next generation and make a real difference? We’re looking for enthusiastic adults who are seeking an adventure to join the Duke’s Combined Cadet Force as Volunteer Instructors. The contingent requires more volunteers to continue offering a range of activities and maintain growth to avoid stagnation in opportunities and learning, which could cause progression to become slower.

As a volunteer, you’ll help students develop important life skills like leadership, teamwork and discipline through various activities such as fieldcraft, adventurous training and drill. Working alongside our experienced team, you’ll receive training and gain valuable skills that will benefit you in both your personal and professional life. No military experience is necessary – just a passion for helping young people reach their full potential.

Learn how you can get involved by contacting our AUO Georgia Goodfellow via her email – georgia.hughes@dukes.ncea.org.uk

We look forward to welcoming you on the team!

Managing Stress

4th September 2025Louise Gatti

With over 60% of children and young people regularly feeling overwhelmed, it’s never been more important to support them in managing stress as they head back to school. This week’s  guide highlights 10 top tips – from spotting early signs to encouraging healthy sleep patterns – that can make a meaningful difference  

 

Designed for parents and educators alike, the guide outlines how small, everyday actions can help young people feel more in control. It’s a valuable resource to keep stress in check and nurture emotional resilience.

 

 

 

RESULTS DAY 2025

28th August 2025Rebecca Shaw

Congratulations to all of our wonderful students in both Sixth Form and Year 11, who received their results on the 14th and 21st August, marking the end to another academic year. All of the staff at Duke’s are extremely proud of each of you for trying your best and achieving results that reflect the hard work and determination of each individual. We wish you all the very best of luck in the future and we can’t wait to see what the next chapter brings for you.

Sixth Form Results Day – 14th August 2025

Mr. Russ Atkinson, Headteacher at Duke’s Sixth Form, praised the students for their hard work and determination “I’m so proud of all our students for the effort that they have put in over the last two years. The results they receive today will hopefully help them to shape happy and successful lives in whatever field they choose to follow. I would also like to thank our staff, whose guidance and support will have been a huge part of these results today”.

Duke’s Sixth Form has a 99% pass rate and 100% of the students in Year 13 who applied to go to University secured their first choice place at university, with most choosing to stay local; Northumbria University, University of Newcastle and University of Sunderland – whilst some students are going further afield to Leeds Beckett University to study Marketing and Edge Hill University to study Primary Education with QTS. Over half of the grades achieved this year were A* – B. Vocational courses such as Business, Health & Social Care and Sport – 59% of the grades achieved were D* or Distinction.  

“I’m going to Northumbria University to study Computer Science. I got D*, D*, D in my A-Levels. My advice to the next group of students would be to make sure you finish your work before your deadlines, so that you can ask your teachers to help with improvements and you have enough time to make adjustments to your coursework.” – Year 13 student Isabelle.

“I did better than I expected and got a D* and D in Sports. I’m planning on going down the apprenticeship route. My advice to the next year group would be to study more in your own time and revise.” – Year 13 student Harry

Meanwhile, ICT and Business student Luke achieved D*, D, D, D and has secured a role working as a finance assistant.

“Just try your best, keep within your deadlines stay productive” said another Year 13 student.

“Don’t put too much pressure on yourself because that can stifle your productivity. Try hard, revise and do your best. I studied Music and Performing Arts. My plans for the future are to hopefully get a job within the music industry or performing arts. I previously did work experience at Mortal Fools and really enjoyed it, so I am hoping that I could potentially get a job there at the YMCA.” – Joe, Year 13 student.

Head of Sixth Form Mrs. Danielle Towers reflected on the last 12 months; “We are incredibly proud of our Sixth Form students, whose outstanding A Level results have secured them places at some fantastic destinations. A special celebration goes to our T Level students, whose amazing achievements mark a historic moment for us – this is the very first year we have offered the T Level in Education and Early Years, and they have truly set the bar high. Well done to all our students for their hard work, dedication, and success. We wish you all the very best for your future pathway.”

Highlights…

GCSE Results Day – 21st August

We celebrated GCSE results day together with our students and their families in a room filled with smiles, emotions and lots of hugs. The results are a reflection of all the time, energy and hard work the students have put into achieving their goals over the past academic year. Many of the students were chuffed with their results, with some very excited that they exceeded their predicted grades.

Students who earned grades 9, 8 and 7 in their GCSEs (equivalent to A**, A* and A) were interviewed and asked to give advice for the next year group of Year 11s:

Student Princess Opara, who achieved grade 9 in RS gave some heart-warming and insightful advice to future students when studying for their GCSEs; “If you are predicted bronze, aim for gold. If you are predicted silver, aim for gold. You can achieve whatever you put your mind to. My advice for the next Year 11s would be to make sure you revise early and believe in yourself and your dreams”.

High achiever Caitlin McAlpine also gave some great advice for the next cohort when asked for tips for achieving top grades; “Advice I would give to the next year group is to do bite-sized revision, then go off and do something you enjoy so that your brain can recuperate without having to cram it all in. Flash cards and mind maps are the way to go!

If you don’t do so well in your mocks, it doesn’t mean you will do badly in your exams – you have time to turn it around. One thing I would have changed was to revise over a longer period of time more slowly and spaced out to stop myself from getting overwhelmed. I wish I would’ve known that the lead-up to the exam is actually scarier than the exam itself!”

Student Liv Johnstone passed her History and English exams with flying colours, receiving grades 8 and 7. When asked about her achievements, she said; “Good revision techniques were using mind maps, flash cards, summarising and attending all of the schools extra sessions. It was hard work at the time, but I’m so glad I put in the extra effort as it really paid off! Things that helped me maintain a healthy balance between life and studying was taking regular breaks, where I would do things I found enjoyment in and I used sports as an outlet.

I just want to add that most of the credit goes towards my outstanding teachers. I want to give special thanks to my History teacher Mr Border and English teacher Miss Wardle, who were so dedicated and supportive throughout my time at Duke’s. I am now going on to do A-Levels in History, Psychology and BTEC in Applied Sciences, as I hope to pursue a career as a paramedic”.

Advice from our Year 11 graduates…

Emily Turnbull  “I didn’t try and overwhelm myself but didn’t forget about it and kept it at the forefront of my mind. Flash cards and go over topics I knew I was struggling with. Start making revision materials earlier. Kept a good balance without putting too much pressure on myself and I’m really pleased with my results”. Emily’s next adventure will be at Newcastle Sixth Form studying Art, Psychology and Music Technology.

Leyla Mae Mercel “I got the grades I did because I revised for like a whole year, I tried very hard and my advice I would give to the next year group would be to try hard and make sure you revise early”. Leyla is off to Sixth Form at KEVI.

Highlights…

The class of 2025 Year 11 students faced unprecedented challenges, unlike any other cohort before them – largely due to COVID-19 restrictions. They are the first year group to complete their entire first year of Secondary School from home and have come such a long way, overcoming challenges and setbacks – and rising above it all! A huge well done from everyone at Duke’s. You will be a huge miss and we wish you all the very best of luck in the bright futures that await you all.

Welcome to the last Sixth Form bulletin of the 2024-25 academic year.

17th July 2025Danielle Towers

Welcome to the last Sixth Form bulletin of the 2024-25 academic year.

As we look forward to the summer holidays, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the achievements and experiences that have shaped our sixth form over the past academic year.

In this edition, we’ll celebrate the highlights of the last term and look forward to welcoming our new sixth form students in September whilst saying Good Luck to those leaving Year 13.

We hope you enjoy this collection of memories and look forward to an even more successful year ahead. Happy reading, and have a fantastic summer!

Summer Sixth Form Newsletter

You can click here to download the PDF file.

Staying Safe Around Water

17th July 2025Louise Gatti

Spending time in or around water is a brilliant way for children to stay active and make memories; however, it’s vital to understand the dangers. This week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide is packed with tips to help you keep young people safe around water, at home, school, and further afield. 

 

From teaching children what beach flags mean to why inflatables should stay in pools this guide is designed to support parents and educators in promoting water safety. Whether it’s a bath, a beach, or a boating lake, being prepared can help prevent avoidable tragedies.

 

Activities Week – Important Information for Parents & Carers

11th July 2025Louise Gatti

As we approach Activities Week, please take note of the following important information and reminders:

Flamingo Land Trips

Students attending the Flamingo Land trip will need to be in school early, as we will be departing promptly at 7:30am.

  • Year 7 & 8 – Tuesday, 14th July

  • Year 9 & 10 – Thursday, 16th July

Please ensure your child arrives on time and is dressed appropriately for the day.

Dress Code for Activities Week

We’ve had a few questions about what students should wear next week. To clarify:

  • Students do not need to wear school uniform.

  • Clothing should be comfortable and appropriate for the specific activity or trip they are taking part in – this includes trip “IN” days, Tutor Day, and CCF Day.

For example, on CCF Day, students should avoid wearing anything valuable and be prepared to get muddy or wet. A change of clothes may be a good idea, especially considering last year’s water fight!

Sports Day – Friday 18th July

All students are required to wear their full Duke’s PE kit on Sports Day.

Gold Arts Award

10th July 2025Louise Gatti
J ennie Eyre of Bianco Perry visited our 6th form students to run a banner making workshops where students explored the theme of boats, butterflies and freedom. This supports our Gold Arts Award students in their creation of the new atrium display, where 6th formers taught our youngest students to create origami boats and butterflies!