What is Pride Club?
Pride Club is an inclusive, safe space for any and all students. It is a club where LGBT+ students and allies should be able to support one another and discuss issues relevant to themselves. We are run by understanding members of staff who will always put students wellbeing first.

Who can come?
Anyone! You do not have to be LGBT+ to come along, if you are an ally who wants to show support for your friends, family members, or just anyone in the community, you are very welcome to join us!

Do I have to come to every session?
No, as this is just a club you do not have to commit to every session – so if you are going to be busy one week, don’t worry! Just come along when you can. You can turn up to one session just to see if this club is for you.

What do we do?
The club usually follows the same structure. Students are given a chance to catch up with one another, and then a member of staff will discuss something linking to the LGBT+ community. This could be a relevant news story, or help with LGBT topics such as identities, coming out or flags. Students can then build a conversation around this topic, or continue their own conversations. We also have art activities, as well as cross curricular links with science, history and RE. We have strong links with PSHCE and stick to what students are taught in their lessons.

When?
Enrichment time on Monday

FREE Afterschool Clubs for All 

We are delighted to inform you that NCEA Trust is offering Animation and Ceramic clubs for all students to attend for free for the rest of the academic year.

These two clubs are run separately every term.  These clubs are going to be run by professional artist/animator and will be separate from the school curriculum.

Animation Club
START DATE PENDING – Every Wednesday
with Robin Webb (Animator & Filmmaker)

The Animation Club at Duke’s has been going since 2012 and in that time it has produced tons of short films and given a space for children to be creative letting their imaginations free because in animation literally anything is possible. We’ve had six headed dragons, fairy queens, insects, steampunk nativities, trains, planes and automobiles, moons, planets, caves and candy land, stories of love, games gone rogue and all manner of strange and wonderful things. Learn the principles of creating stop motion animation and how the animation industry works and also how it can be a valuable and rewarding career path in a myriad of ways. I have been teaching and working in the animation industry for over 20 years and bring a wealth of experience in creating films with young people. Why not give it a try, you could be the next Nick Park or create the next animation blockbuster to rival Pixar!

Ceramic Club
START DATE PENDING – Every Tuesday
with Alan Vinter (Ceramic and Community project Artist)

Alan has many years experience in the arts both as an artist in a variety of media as well as in arts education in both higher & special needs environments. In addition to that he has experience in 3D design and has particular expertise in ceramics.

Alan has led many fantastic community based projects such as ceramic installation at Newbiggin local amenities and the maritime centre. He has exhibited nationally and is part of the KEAP Creative.

Alan has ran several ceramic classes within the school and will experience a wide range of hand building techniques as well as learning to throw on a pottery wheel.  You will regularly be able to take your masterpieces home.

We are excited to announce that Duke’s will be offering a wide variety of Enrichment activities during lunchtime to all pupils in years 7 to 11.

There will be sports, games, societies, clubs and more available, from which each child can make up to three different choices each half-term. There are nearly 30 sessions to choose from and the sessions are aimed at developing the whole child, provoking the curiosity to try new things, encouraging collaboration and, above all, having fun!

Without doubt many transferable skills will be learned in the process, but these sessions are not assessed academically; it is hoped the main benefits to the children will be to their health, both mental and physical, as well as increasing their enjoyment of school life!

We are already proud of our enrichment success with Duke’s Sixth Form with Gold Arts Award with Baltic, NCEA sports Gym and coaching qualification as well as our extensive work experience programme.