We are excited to share the first edition of the Duke’s Careers Newsletter, designed to support parents and carers as they help their young people explore the wide range of pathways available beyond school.
This newsletter brings together valuable information from employers, universities, and local opportunities.
These resources are intended to help you support your child’s interests, inspire new ideas, and guide conversations about future careers and ambitions.
We hope you find this newsletter a useful tool to help your child explore and plan their future opportunities.
Fortnite’s latest season is packed with eye-catching features – but that can mean longer screen time, pressure to spend, and the lure of party chat with strangers.This week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide shines a spotlight on what parents and educators need to know to help young players stay safe.
From comical dance emotes to realistic weapons and big-name collaborations, Fortnite is a cultural heavyweight. But even with its PEGI 12 rating, many younger children are joining the action. Our new guide explores the risks – and offers useful, clear advice for trusted adults.
They’re everywhere online, but do you really know what memes are saying? This week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide explores the role of memes in youth culture – and why they’re not always as harmless as they seem. From hidden messages to misinformation, we break it down.
Plus, we share four simple ways parents and educators can guide young people to engage more safely with memes – encouraging empathy, critical thinking and healthier digital habits.
Duke’s Students Kickstart Their Engineering Journey at Northumberland College
Our 14–16 Engineering Skills Academy students have officially begun their exciting journey — swapping the classroom for the workshop as they pull on their PPE and get hands-on with real engineering projects!
As part of this flagship pathway, students spend three days a week at Duke’s studying English, maths, and science, and two days at Northumberland College, working towards a Level 2 Engineering qualification.
Alongside their studies, they’ll be taking part in a range of industry-focused experiences, including:
Work experience and industry placements
Expert-led masterclasses
Visits and experience days
Employer-based project learning
The Engineering Skills Academy is designed to give students a strong academic foundation and valuable practical experience — preparing them for future success in further education, apprenticeships, and the engineering industry.
We’re incredibly proud of how well our students have started and can’t wait to see what they achieve next!
( Pictured: Duke’s Engineering Academy students at Northumberland College in their PPE, ready to take on their first practical sessions.)
When young people go through something traumatic – such as bereavement, bullying or a family crisis – it can take time to make sense of what they’re feeling. That’s where adult guidance can make all the difference. This week’s Wake up Wednesday guide offers helpful tips for parents and educators supporting children and young through difficult experiences.
From fostering a sense of safety to recognising when specialist help might be needed, the guide is full of practical ideas for creating a compassionate, stable environment that supports recovery. It’s a reassuring read for anyone who wants to be there for a young person going through tough times.
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.
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