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!

AI

9th July 2025Louise Gatti

AI can be an amazing tool for education and creativity – sadly, it’s also become a tool for online scammers. This week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide shines a light on the dark side of using AI, including phishing emails, fake voice calls, and influencer-based frauds targeting younger users.

 

From deepfake videos to romance scams powered by chat bots the tactics are getting more convincing – and the consequences more serious. If you’re looking to help children and young people navigate the online world with confidence and caution, this guide offers key insights and practical advice to keep them safe 

Duke’s Achieved Silver School Games Award!

3rd July 2025Rebecca Shaw

We did it!

Well done to all of our pupils for achieving the School Games Silver Award and to our staff in the PE department who facilitated the success of clubs, teams and competitions! Your collective hard work and dedication has paid off, congratulations everybody!

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NCEA Duke’s Secondary SchoolDownload

iPad

2nd July 2025Louise Gatti

Tablets have transformed the way children learn and play, but are they always a safe choice? This #WakeUpWednesday guide focuses on the ever-popular iPad and how to use it responsibly with younger users. We explore key concerns such as exposure to harmful content, data collection by apps and the possibility of screen addiction. 

 

This guide also offers practical advice on using Apple’s own tools to limit screen time, filter content and prevent unwanted purchases. With expert insights and clear recommendations, it’s essential reading for parents and educators keen to make iPad use safer and smarter.

The Nintendo Switch 2

25th June 2025Louise Gatti

New name, new features… same concerns? The Nintendo Switch 2 is the Japanese gaming giant’s latest console, and while it boasts impressive updates, it also brings a few new features for parents and educators to be aware of.

 

From the arrival of real-time GameChat and a plug-in camera to an easier path to mature content and in-app spending, there’s a lot to consider. Our #WakeUpWednesday guide sets out what adults need to know, and how they can keep gaming fun and safe for the children in their care