The end of summer can bring a roller-coaster of feelings for children – and for adults too! Whether children are starting school for the first time or just moving into a new class, a little support can make all the difference.
This week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide shares ten top tips to help children feel calmer and more prepared for going back to school. From practical routines to emotional support, it’s a must-read for easing those first-day nerves!
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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!
Welcome to the Spring Edition of our Sixth Form Newsletter where you will find information about our spring events, T Levels, Careers and our new wellbeing initiative. Also included is a fantastic ‘day in the life of a sixth form students’ article written by one of our Year 12 students.
Please click on this link for our recruitment pack and application form –Careers- Teaching
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: MPS/UPS (plus £3000 recruitment and retention incentive)
Closing Date: 12pm Monday 19th May
Hours: 1.0fte
Are you an inspirational maths teacher who is looking for an opportunity to work in an exciting and innovative department within a collaborative and ambitious school?
You will make a great addition to the team if you are committed to delivering the best teaching, learning and assessment opportunities for our students and are capable of inspiring and motivating others through your passion for maths.
We value high quality candidates who will make a great addition to our team and a significant difference to the lives of our students. We are therefore offering a one-off recruitment and retention incentive of up to £3000 to the successful candidate, terms apply.
We welcome applications from both early career and experienced teachers. The post offers opportunities to teach at KS3 & 4 and to engage in an active and vibrant enrichment programme. A knowledge of current educational thinking and strategies to raise attainment is expected.
The successful candidate will demonstrate that they are capable of delivering consistently excellent classroom teaching and learning, and that they are energetic, enthusiastic, creative and resilient.
This is a fantastic opportunity to inspire, challenge, and help our pupils reach their full potential.
Please click on this link for our recruitment pack and application form. Careers- Teaching
Deadline: Tuesday 20th May
Contract Type: Permanent – 1.0fte
Salary: MPS1-6 – £31,650 – £43,607
Closing date: 12 noon, 20 th May 2025
Are you an inspirational art teacher who is looking for an opportunity to work in an exciting
and innovative, state of the art open plan department within a collaborative and ambitious
school?
You will make a great addition to the team if you are committed to delivering the best
teaching, learning and assessment opportunities for our students and are capable of
inspiring and motivating others through your passion for art.
We value high quality candidates who will make a great addition to our team and a
significant difference to the lives of our students.
We welcome applications from both early career and experienced teachers. The post offers
opportunities to teach at KS3, 4 and 5 to engage in an active and vibrant enrichment
programme. A knowledge of current educational thinking and strategies to raise attainment
is expected.
The successful candidate will demonstrate that they are capable of delivering consistently
excellent classroom teaching and learning, and that they are energetic, enthusiastic,
creative and resilient.
The Northumberland Church of England Academy is a Multi Academy Trust that strives to
provide a supportive, diverse and inclusive learning environment for staff and students.
Congratulations to our NCEA Duke’s Secondary School Sixth form team who won the Northumberland SFA league 2. The boys were unbeaten all season!
Duke’s PE team
A fantastic achievement! ⚽️
#letyourlightshine
Find out about all of the important and exciting events that have been taking place across our school since the start of the year. We’ve covered academics, residentials, sports, important events, careers and so much more.
Download the PDF below and read now!
Applications for Duke’s Sixth Form are now open. Find out more about our Sixth Form September offer in our new prospectus https://dukes.ncea.org.uk/sixth-form/sixth-form-curriculum/
Students can apply in school by visiting the Sixth Form office or external applicants can contact Danielle Towers, Head of Sixth Form at danielle.towers@dukes.ncea.org.uk or by telephone on 01670 816111 extension 370, to arrange an appointment.
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