Duke’s Activities Week has been a huge success, with students giving their trips and in-house events a fantastic 10 out of 10!

From the Tutor Duck Challenge and our inspiring PROUD assemblies to surfing at Blyth—where we may even have made an appearance as extras in a BBC drama—there was something for everyone.

Students chased thrills at Flamingo Land, took to the ice rink, and even tried their hand at dry slope skiing, with some future Winter Olympians certainly in the making!

One of the week’s highlights was our giant sandcastle-building competition at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, where teamwork and creativity were on full display. Students also enjoyed testing their skills at the golf driving range, playing footgolf, bowling, and tackling the challenges of Clip ‘n Climb.

For those who love shopping and exploring, there was a trip to the Metrocentre, while others enjoyed fascinating cultural visits to Beamish, Alnwick Garden, local zoos, and many other exciting destinations.

Throughout the week, Duke’s students have been an absolute pleasure to take out on visits. Time and again, members of the public commented on how polite, respectful, and well-mannered our students were. It was wonderful to hear such positive feedback and to see our students representing the school so brilliantly while enjoying themselves and making lasting memories.

A huge thank you to all the staff who helped organise and support these fantastic experiences. Most importantly, well done to all of our students for embracing every opportunity, demonstrating our LIGHT values, and making Activities Week such a memorable success!

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