Horizon Autumn 2018 Newsletter_Layout 1 10/1/18 11:59 AM Page 2 h Autumn 2018

Seaham High School  

The school was officially opened on July 19th by Her Welcome Majesty's representative in the Lord Lieutenant Mrs Sue Snowdon. The Lord Lieutenant was joined by Dr Stephen Cronin, High Sherriff , Mrs Welcome to Horizon, our regular Suzanne Cronin, Cllr John Lethbridge, Chairman of magazine celebrating the many and DCC and Mayor of Durham City Mr Terry Collins, varied activities undertaken by the Chief Executive of Durham County Council, Mrs Barbara Allen, Mayor of , Mr David students of Seaham High School. There Wilkinson, Chair of Governors among others. The is no doubt our young people possess high Lord Lieutenant and Guests had a tour of the levels of talent and it is wonderful to see school, visiting activities in various areas of the school such them using those skills to good effect. as Humanities, English, Maths, I never cease to be amazed at what our Music, Science, Technology, the students achieve when they put their Arts. mind to it! The official opening ceremony took place in the Dining Hall Schools should be more than just allowing all students and staff to be present. Normal producing good examination results and timetable was suspended from here at Seaham High School that is around 12:30 onwards to allow definitely the case. We want to develop students to have a less structured more informal the ‘whole person’ so that students are celebration of the opening. ready for the life challenges ahead. Students had access to Karaoke, Hog roast, Ice We all have our part to play in cream vans, photo booths and Europe's biggest inflatable obstacle course among a number of other engaging minds and broadening inflatables. Alternatively students were given time to horizons. spend with their friends or staff.

Those members of the community and staff who are So please, read on and enjoy aware of the long journey the school has been on and the battle we have had to secure funding to create the facilities that the young people of Seaham deserve in particular will have appreciated the occasion. The Mr DA Shield facilities that the school has are excellent and the Head Teacher priority now is to secure further funding to continue to develop the site.

The photos should illustrate a tremendous and memorable day, which was much appreciated by staff and students alike. The school would like to thank Mrs Snowdon and her staff in particular Kingsley along with all other guests for joining us and making our day so special and memorable.

GO TO PAGE 48 TO SEE THE PHOTOGRAPHS

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Foreword

A warm welcome to our latest newsletter. We hope you enjoy a result of a lack of effort on their part. Completion of homework will reading what has proved to be a bumper addition with lots of feature heavily in this system. You will have noticed that homework is news. now a major priority for the school and students should be getting significantly increased amounts. This is not optional and students are We have enjoyed a fantastic start to the new academic year. expected to complete all homework set. Once again this is all part of Students have returned with excellent uniform and positive attitudes our drive to improve standards. We mentioned earlier high on entry to learning. As always there are some exciting changes for everyone students not making as much progress as their targets suggest they to get used to and expectations are higher than ever before. Parents are capable of. It could be that- with some lack of effort on their part are an essential part of our partnership and we appreciate the support and perhaps expectations that were not high enough in some cases, and encouragement you give your child and us as a school. The new on our part, this may also be a contributory factor to our drop in Year 7 have adapted superbly. New Headteacher Mr Lumsdon is progress. meeting every single Year 7 student individually to discuss transition, settling in and any concerns they may have prior to October half term. Current Headteacher Mr Shield leaves his post on December 31st The new Brunch and Lunch format is being trialled and we have and incoming Headteacher Mr Lumsdon officially takes up role on already received some feedback from staff and students. It is not January 1st 2019. This offers an excellent opportunity for a handover ideal and we would welcome feedback from parents who wish to transition period not normally possible. Therefore transition should be contact the school to let us know their views. relatively smooth.

Exam results for last year’s Year 11 were pleasing in terms of As predicted this year’s Year 7 is oversubscribed and we are full. This attainment. Most subjects saw an increase in the number of students means that we have around 720 students in just Year’s 7, 8 and 9 gaining Grades 4 or 5. We were particularly pleased with continued alone. A significant number of families were disappointed this year improvements in the new English and Maths GCSE attainment and had to be offered schools elsewhere in Durham. This is in part grades. All subjects were moving in the right direction. What was a due to high numbers in Primary schools, however we are attracting concern, however was our Progress 8 figure. Although not confirmed unprecedented numbers of students from the Catholic primary we are fairly convinced that this has gone down, which is not good schools and as first choice from outside of the catchment area. We enough. What this means is that we have been fairly good at helping are anticipating a similar outcome for the 2019 intake. For current our students to achieve grades 4 or 5, which are strong and standard Year 6 pupils it is highly likely if Seaham High is not indicated as first passes. What we need to get better at is making sure our high on preference then there is little chance of getting into the school. entry students achieve higher grades in all subjects. Reasons for this need to be explored- one could be our curriculum model. We Whilst this is a great position to be in it brings with it new challenges. encourage our high on entry students to follow a curriculum path that We have appointed 15 new teaching staff for this academic year. The best suits them and they are achieving the EBACC in higher numbers school continues to attract a number of in-year transfer requests too. than the past but they tend to be achieving grades that are below their target grade in those subjects. Other schools might be Staying safe- Some issues we need to raise awareness of with encouraging similar students or all students to sit BTEC’s or other parents are; qualifications where it is easier to get a Distinction, which counts as • Leaving the premises at 3:05pm. As always we have high numbers equivalent to Grades 8 and 9. This then affects our Progress figure of staff on duty on site and at the two gates. Can we remind parents against national comparisons. Regardless of this last year’s Year 11 that the main vehicle gate is closed from 3:00pm to 3:15pm to allow and staff need congratulating for their hard work, efforts and students to leave the site safely. In addition- parents parking on achievement in a time of unprecedented exam change. double yellow lines opposite the gates only makes traffic on Station Road more dangerous to students. Current Year 11 are already in the full swing of exam preparation. Their Year Leader Mr Parker has made considerable changes to the • The school legally has the authority to discipline students beyond the Period 6 revision sessions we have operated in the past. Also we are school gates if they breach the school’s discipline policy and cause raising expectations for securing an invitation to the Year 11 Prom. Mr reputational damage to the school. This means for example if a child Parker has set up an ambitious target of 2500 positive points and also is in uniform and they fight on the way to or on the way from school the school is only prepared to invite those students who are on Step 0 we will regard it as a breach of our expectations and policy then of our Stepped discipline ladder. Please do not make any purchases apply sanctions in the same way as on site breaches. towards Prom attire until your child has received an invite. • If your child brings a bike to school then it is essential you only allow We are making changes to the Stepped discipline system. Incidences them to do so if they can and WILL ride their bike responsibly with of serious misbehaviour are greatly reduced on what they were, when respect for themselves and other road users. Bikes must be this system was first introduced in 2015. We now feel that it is roadworthy with working front and back brakes. Students should important to focus on Attitude to Learning rather than behaviour and wear helmets and this is the responsibility of the parent to ensure have built this in to our termly reviews. This means students effort this. We have a bikeability session booked with County Durham for scores from staff will be recorded every data collection point and this later in the year and intend to issue permits. If we discover any will feed in to a student’s placement on our ladder. Too often a child student acting recklessly on the way to or from school then we will might sit quietly and not disrupt anyone else’s learning yet not try their ask parents to ensure they do not bring their bike to school. best, not make much effort or take responsibility for their own learning. Children who have always remained at Step 0 of our discipline ladder in the past, might now find themselves moving up as

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EXAM RESULTS

The results from the 2018 cohort of and in History over 50% of the students achieved students were the first cohort to go a grade 5 or better. A special mention to the through the significant government Creative Arts faculty that again showed the depth changes. These changes, which of talent and creativity in Seaham High School, applied to English and Maths the with nearly 70% achieving a grade 7 or better in previous year, meant all subjects Photography and nearly 50% achieving a grade 7 being sat were much harder than in or better in Art. previous years as grades changed from A*- G to 9 - 1. The removal of As with any set of results there are always Controlled Assessment from the individuals who stand out and this year was no GCSE courses has meant that all exception. At Seaham High School we have assessments were focussed on the some extremely gifted and talented students who end of Year 11 exams. Many of these excelled in a range of subjects both academic exams were now not tiered, so all and creative. Alexandria Swift achieved a grade 9 students needed to sit the same exam in both Art and Photography, which is a paper, which had the same range of tremendous achievement. A special mention questions from grades 9 to 1. needs to made about Neisha Carr who produced an amazing set of GCSE results which included 3 This proved extremely challenging for some grade 9s in Biology, Physics and Maths, 5 grade students who sometimes could not answer much 8s in Art, Chemistry, German, History and of the higher content on the exam papers. These Religious Studies, a grade A in Further Maths and harder exams were also much longer, and this 2 grade 6s in English Literature and English has highlighted the need for great resilience and Language. The boys also had lots to celebrate stamina from students in order to be a success. with both Max Hall and Josh Remmer topping This therefore makes the achievements of the the table for progress made. Both of these boys Class of 2018 so much more remarkable and in achieved a fantastic set of results. On average need of celebration. Those students who applied they were nearly 2 grades per subject higher than themselves towards their studies and worked targeted. with the staff have achieved excellent grades. Overall, the school saw pleasing increases in As the school always looks to improve we have headline measures from 2017. The percentage of identified that we still have to challenge our students leaving with a grade 5 or better in both students to achieve better. The Head teacher has English and Maths increased by 3%, whilst set very high targets for students in all year students leaving with a grade 4 or better in groups with a particular focus on our high ability English and Maths increased by 8% on 2017. students achieving grade 7 or better. I am sure The school was also very pleased with the with the continued support from parents/carers increases seen in other EBACC subjects with and the collective drive from the teaching staff German rising by 7% (grade 4 or better), and students working together we will achieve Geography increasing by 15% (grade 4 or better) these in the future.

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ART ART Activities Week The Art department put on various activities during activities week including experimental drawing workshops and photography trips to the beach. Students produced some fantastic outcomes and really enjoyed being able to get creative and messy during activities week.

Year 11 Moderation Exhibition

Year 11 Art and Photography work was displayed in the art department for the moderator’s visit. The work looked absolutely stunning and shows how much students deserved their excellent grades.

Year 11 Results

Year 11 Art and Photography GCSE results were once again phenomenal with 47.1% of students achieving a grade 7 or above in Art. 100% achieved a 9-4 grade in Art and 11% 9-8. Photography students also achieved an amazing 69% 9-7 and 100% achieved a grade 5 or above. Also 31% of students achieved 8 or above in photography. Well done year 11! This shows what a fantastic year they had! Good luck for the future! page 5  

DRAMA

Achievements Classroom The Performing Arts department Environment would like to say a huge thank you and farewell to our amazingly The Drama classroom has had a talented performers who are now off fantastic make over during the 6 on new adventures. They will be weeks’ holidays and is now a missed by both staff and students in brighter and more inviting place our little community. The majority of to learn. It has been a delight to the students who studied Drama are see students faces now off to study the subject further when they realise that on Theatrical or Performance their work has been courses. We will miss their used to decorate the contribution to the shows from walls. Thank you to all which some have been involved in our technicians who since year 7. We hope to see you helped to realise our back here at future performances. vision.

MUSIC The Lord Lieutenant visit in July 2018 Durham Music Our fabulous Y10 GCSE Music Service students performed their band work for the Lord Lieutenant. Peripatetic They really did themselves proud Teaching on that day, having several performances to do throughout The Music Service teach the morning. Very well done to Woodwind, Drums, Nathan Reed, Neave Cummins, Singing, Brass, Violin and Amber Wilson and Luke Grayson. Guitar in school every week. If you would like your son or daughter to access lessons in any of these areas, please don’t hesitate to contact Miss Vaughan at school or ask your child to see her in school for a letter. We have a new drum teacher this year called Mr Halford.

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YEAR LEADERS 7

Our new year seven students are filled with excitement and ready to get started at Seaham High School. We have enjoyed some fabulous days together during their transition, including the transition day, where students were able to get to know their tutors and others within their tutor groups. We also enjoyed the year six induction disco where students danced the night away with glow sticks, face paint and lots and lots of tuck shop!

I can’t wait to get to know our new students and watch them grow into young, successful adults throughout their time here at Seaham High School.

Miss H Ledger Year 7 Leader 2018-2019

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Reward Points The Year 7 students were rewarded over 200,000 6R reward points throughout the year, this was more than any other year group well done! Special mention to 7BOC, who were victorious with 28636 points YEAR LEADERS 8 collectively as a tutor group. Closely followed by 7ATC with 26380 points and 7SPD with 25303 points.

Attendance Dear Parents, 7DOP were the tutor group with the best overall attendance, I would also like to congratulate the students in the year group who had a Your son/daughter has now started Year 8 at Seaham High perfect 100% attendance score. School! I think everyone would agree that our first year has Celebration Assembly been a huge success. It is hard to believe how quickly the Well done to all the Year 7 students who received an award in the time has passed. As a year group, we have developed the celebration assembly at the end of last term, It was a fantastic end to ethos of, “Dream Big, Aim High, Reach for the Stars ”. The the school year. I would especially like to congratulate: Megan Blain students embraced this ethos throughout Year 7 and I am 7GOL, James Cox 7ATC, Corey-Leigh Lewis 7DOP and Imogen excited to see how they progress through Year 8. Lindsay-King 7HAR who had the highest amount of 6R points in the year group. The outstanding effort awards were given to James Cox 7ATC, Kaidy-Leigh Pomfret 7SPD and Eve Lane 7LRH. We are sad to have lost three members of the tutor team – Mr Boyce, Miss Fraser and Mr Spence, we wish them well 60 students received the bronze certificate for 100% attendance and in their new roles. In Year 8 we welcome Miss Brodie, Mr zero negative points over one term. 36 students received the silver Conway and Miss Murray. certificate for 100% attendance and zero negative points over two terms. 24 students received the gold certificate for 100% attendance and zero negative points over three terms, congratulations and welcome Please continue to send your child to school in the correct to the 100 Club. Congratulations and well done to all involved! uniform, we really want our Year 8 students to be shining examples to the rest of the school and this includes Do keep checking the Year 8 Twitter page @seahamstars regularly to making sure they look their best at all times! see all the fantastic things your child has been doing at school.

Students must also have the correct equipment every day, Kind Regards Miss. M. Reichard (Year Leader) this includes a pen, pencil and a ruler. A new addition to Year 8 is the student organiser, students must bring their organiser to school every day in their school bag. The organiser can be used to reflect on lessons, record homework and make a note of new language used in each subject. The student organisers will be checked each week by tutors and a reward given ‘organiser of the week’. Parents / carers can use the student organiser to monitor homework and discuss lessons from the school day. The student organiser should be signed by parents / carers on a Friday.

Could I ask that we all work together to ensure students are prepared for learning.

Key pointers to help transition and settling down:

Help your child to become organised for the next couple of weeks • Check and sign their student organiser • Check their homework • Have they packed their bag correctly? • Have they packed their PE kit?

I would like to share with you some of the fantastic things your child has been doing at school towards the end of Year 7.

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YEAR LEADERS 9

Year 9 Celebration Assembly

Rounding off an excellent year, the end of year celebration was a sight to behold.

We had a great musical introduction from Elena Ramshaw and Niamh Law, who would shortly play for the visiting Lord Lieutenant a few days later. A great reading from one of our senior ambassadors – Kodie Ruddock.

We awarded 46 certificates for 100% Attendance and 83 pupils were congratulated for 100% Behaviour (those pupils with zero negative behaviour points).

Mr Bolton gave his special award to Ella Holt and our head teacher Mr Shield awarded a healthy eating award to Jake Crowley. Tutors also gave out their own tutor awards.

Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards were awarded to pupils who displayed outstanding attendance and impeccable behaviour. To receive a Bronze certificate pupils neededto have 100% attendance (zero days absence) and no negative behaviour points across one whole term. For silver the same criteria but for 2 terms and for Gold – All three terms!!! We gave out 8 Bronze awards, 8 Silver awards and 9 Gold Awards.

Year 9 tutor groups had been battling to win the coveted Infinity Guantlet. In the final reckoning there were 3 tutor groups that had won at least one of the 6R Trophies but the overall winner won 3 of the 6 trophies – congratulations go to Mrs Coopers 9COE group – Well done !

Who will be next???

Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards were awarded to pupils who displayed outstanding attendance and impeccable behaviour. To receive a Bronze certificate pupils needed to have 100% attendance (zero days absence) and no negative behaviour points across one whole term. For silver the same criteria but for 2 terms and for Gold – All three terms!!! We gave out 8 Bronze awards, 8 Silver awards and 9 Gold Awards.

Welcome to Year 10

I have been greatly impressed by my year group over the last 12 challenging and it has never been more important to be focussed on months. Time seems to have flown by and they have grown from our goals from day one. strength to strength. I look forward to watching them soar ever higher towards that finishing line in 2020. We are sad to have lost four members of the tutor team – Miss Bayfield, Miss Dunnill, Mrs Oxley and Miss Arthur and wish them well in This year we are Team 2020, we aim for the perfect vision of our future. their new roles. In Year 10 we welcome Mr Teasdale, Miss Thompson Year 10 is the start of our examination courses and for our year group and Miss Cowie the start of the journey towards June 2020. The new GCSE system is

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YEAR LEADERS NEW Y9

Effort Effort has been rewarded more than ever this year as we value the link between Well it’s the end of another year and the pupils have it and pupils academic attainment. Pupils in Year 8 did us proud showing they settled in superbly well to our new Year group system. really do try hard every day in their quest to gain the best grades they can. I This year has seen a lot of changes as we strived to would like to make a particular mention to those pupils below who gained the give every child not only a top class academic highest effort scores in the year. education but also one that will see them become an asset to their community. I feel this year we have settled further into our new school though it’s still hard to believe we have been in it for two years now and Year 8 have only ever known this building. So as we move into Year 9 and the choices it brings to all our students it’s a good time to look back at Year 8 one more time.

The 6R’s The pupils finished the year as they began with no slowdown in their mission to collect reward points. Once again this has been dominated by Liam Bacon in 8MIT who won many of the last half terms highest points totals but capped it all as he became one of only a handful of pupils in Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards the school to get 9 Stars in all 6 areas. Well done to Mia Further to the Awards issued to pupils throughout the year for 100% attendance Wilson 8LOW and McKenzie Davison 8WGM who ensured and 0 negative behaviour points we finished the year with a further 15 pupils it wasn’t a clean sweep for Liam. We can now look forward rewarded a Bronze certificate, for managing this for the last term, and 10 pupils to a fresh start in Year 9 as we reset and all can bid to Silver, for managing this for two terms. The biggest accolade though went to emulate Liam’s achievements in Year 8 beginning with a the Gold winners who managed this for the whole year. A mammoth task as I Reflection week at the end of September. am sure you will all agree and some huge congratulations to all those pupils listed below and indeed all our award winners. In the form competition you can see who 8MIT and 8LOW were the big winners with a brace each and they will be Gold award winners are Dhanda Karemjit 8COP, Sarah Feechan 8COP, Joe able will be able to proudly show of their shields in their Goodwin 8COP, Aimee Parker 8COP, Jude Thompson 8COP, Logan Wilkinson form rooms for the start of Year 9. A big congratulations to 8HAD, Abi Cook 8JOS, Ellie Tempest 8MAV, Liam Bacon 8MIT, Chartlotte 8COP and 8WGM who were determined these forms would Tiernan 8MIT, Ashleigh Loughlin 8MKF, Joseph Beattie 8WGM, Josh Brown not have it all their own way as they were made to share the 8WGM and McKenzie Davison 8WGM. glory.

and another thing…. One great thing about taking assemblies throughout the year is that you get to hear about and congratulate all the wonderful classwork, clubs and competitions that the pupils complete on a daily basis. At the end of term I was able to mention the Business Magnates Competition, Intervention, Lexia, Accelerated Reader, Technology Awards, Stem Challenge day, fantastic Art work, Junior Mathematical Challenge winners, Sports day winners, superb achievement and effort in Spanish & German, County Games winners and how wonderful pupils had been for activities week. All this in just one ½ term assembly shows me the huge amount offered to our students and the massive commitment they give us in return. Roll on Year9 and what I am sure will be another fantastic year.

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YEAR LEADERS NEW Y9

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YEAR LEADERS NEW Y11 WELCOME BACK Year 11

It seems like only a short time ago that I was writing my Autumn Term update for the newsletter; introducing myself and welcoming pupils and parents to Key Stage Four. Suddenly we find ourselves in Year 11, with less than a year before the GCSE exam series begins and pupils leave us. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to welcome pupils back to school after a sunny summer break and hit the ground running straight away with hard-work. The countdown has started!

The 100 Club Pupil Wellbeing It has been a privilege starting the year by celebrating the commitment and continued Year 11 will present challenges and stresses that our dedication of the 100 Club. These are pupils who maintained 100% attendance for the young people have not faced before. It is essential that complete year in year 10 and who managed never to incur a single negative point. Pupils they look out for each other and that we are looking out were rewarded with an evening meal at Martinos where we were able to take some time for them. If you have any concerns whatsoever then to reflect on just what a fantastic achievement this is. please get in touch and we can ensure that we provide the best possible support for all pupils in year 11. Y11 Prom Requirements The Year 11 Prom has now been booked for Tuesday 2nd July 2019 at Beamish Hall. Towards the end of year 10, we hosted the ‘Preparing for Prom is the highpoint in any academic year, however, I must use this opportunity to GCSE Success’ presentation evening. During this well- stress that the Prom is a reward and the right to attend is earned through the hard-work attended event, we talked at length about how you could and commitment shown by pupils in Year 11. Pupils will be required to be on step zero best support your son/daughter during the mock exam on the behaviour ladder and to have earned 2500 positive points by the time the Prom period. As the pressure further increases during year 11, it tickets are released towards the end of the year. This will require hard-work from pupils is important that pupils continue to follow the advice given and we make no apologies for keeping the standard high and giving pupils something to during these talks and that parents support using the PiXL strive towards. Prepare to Perform guidance. All details are still available to download from the school website. Introduction of I6 and R6 The traditional model of period 6 is changing. We recognised last year that pupils were Behaviour and Attendance becoming more and more reliant on after-school sessions and although attendance is As part of our goal for excellence in everything we do, we honourable, in many cases we had the wrong pupils sat in front of us. We have therefore have reiterated to pupils that attendance matters! Please introduced Intervention 6 (I6) and Revision 6 (R6) in an attempt to tailor what is being could we extend this message to parents/carers and ask delivered and who is required to attend. Please see the info-graphic below: for your support in ensuring that your child is in school, on time and ready to learn every day. Even 95% attendance is not enough to fully maximise achievement; we are aiming for 100% in everything we do. In addition to this it is essential that behaviour for learning is excellent this year. We will not tolerate pupil opportunities being limited because of poor behaviour in classrooms or around school. Where poor behaviour is identified, pupils will be withdrawn from lessons and parents will be invited into school to work-out a way forward.

Should you wish to contact me regarding anything, please don’t hesitate in getting in touch on the email address below.

Scott Parker – Year Leader [email protected] page 12  

YEAR LEADERS NEW Y11 Josh is Champion of the World

Between 21st and 22nd July, Josh put all of his years of training to the test when he attended the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu world championships in Wolverhampton. Josh fought in five matches across two categories, fighting some of the best fighters in the world in an attempt to steal the prestigious title. Josh fought off competition to be awarded the title of Double Gold World Champion in GI and No-GI BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu).

“Josh is a determined young sportsman who has a bright future ahead of him. He works hard in all that he does and as a school we are proud that he has been rewarded with this world title. Josh is a role model to other students as he applies the rules of training and commitment to his schoolwork whilst maintaining his passion for BJJ at the very highest level.”

Mr Parker – Y11 Year Leader

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YEAR LEADERS YEAR 11 2017-2018

Class of 2018 have had many things to celebrate In MFL, Neisha Carr achieved a grade 8 in her German exam and Abbie Marrin achieved the highest grade on the foundation paper. this year and all of their hard work has brought them to their final GCSE exams. It filled me with Along with this, the students who achieved the highest attainment immense pride watching all of our year 11 include Naisha Carr, Faye Green, Jessica Graham, Josh Remmer and Liam Wilson. students walk in to our hall to collect their GCSE results, knowing that we had done as much as we The students with the most progress include Max Hall, Josh Remmer, could to set them on their way for a bright future. Molly Renton, Connor Turner and Rebecca Young.

During our year 11 leavers assembly myself and Mr Remmer gave out I would like to begin by thanking the Ambassadors. Throughout the entire awards to two students: Connor Turner for the most improved student year 11 period, they were a true inspiration. Their dedication, hard work and Neisha Carr for most hard working student. Connor has been a and focus to get a job done was second to none and I am proud to have shining example of how a young man can change his path and become been able to watch them grow. They took responsibility for the Halloween an amazing role model to others. He has worked hard in everything he disco, fund raising events, prom planning and much more throughout the has done and we are so proud of his achievements. Neisha is a sensible, year. It was a difficult road to walk but this year group has planted firm hardworking and dedicated young lady, who deserves all of her success. footholds on this path for the future. Both students have been a pleasure to have in our year group.

The class of 2018 were a studious bunch! They used learning apps, The class of 2018 have made some wonderful achievements and it has revision sessions, pizza evenings, maths challenges, visits to universities, truly been a pleasure spending this small part of their lives with them. We you name it, they were on board with anything we could offer to help wish them success and happiness in the future and are confident that them and attended these sessions in record numbers. Well done to each they will go on to do well. and every one of you who took the time to help boost your results. We have had very pleasing results across the board this year but some have really stood out for us.

Alex Swift achieved a 9 in Art. She is a very talented artist who has truly shone in this subject.

Humanities saw a surge in the amount of over-achievers. In Geography Lauren Billingham over-achieved by 3 grades. Corey Brennan, Abbie Berry, Max Hall, Rebecca Young and Finn Griffin by 2 grades.

In History, Oliver Doyle and Josh Remmer over-achieved by 3 grades. Kyron Scott, Jessica Graham, Rebecca Godfrey, James Dodds, Jack Dobson, Lauren Billingham and Kieron Bailey over- achieved by 2 grades. It is safe to say that Lauren Billingham is really ahead of her game!

In science, Finn Griffin achieved a 9, despite being targeted a 4! Also Kyron Scott surpassed his target by 2 grades, achieving an 8.

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ACTIVITIES WEEK

Monday, 9 July - Friday, 13 July 2018 Ethos behind Activities Week

• To enrich a student’s experience in Seaham High School. • For students to try activities which may be different and new to them, to be risk takers. • For students to take part in activities which may challenge them, to be resilient. • To promote responsibility in all students. Technology • To have great fun at the end of a long hard year. In Technology one of the activities was Upcycling the wood from used pallets As in previous years the whole of the school’s timetable was collapsed from the to make a Mobile Phone Speaker. The Wednesday to the Friday of Activities Week with students having the chance to be pupils had a great time taking apart responsible by deciding on what they would be doing as they chose activities from a pallets with hammers and crow bars very wide range on offer by staff. This allowed the students to try activities which were before taking the nails out and new to them and mix with students from different classes and years. Students were choosing the best pieces for their not required to wear their uniform as for a lot of the activities this would have been work. They then cut, shaped and unsuitable. Again, as we have done for another activities week, a tuck shop ran at glued the wood to made a speaker brunch and lunch from Student Guidance. The students commented that the week that uniquely fits their phone with no was a lot of fun and wished it lasted longer! need for batteries making it a green project all round. Below are the activities which ran this year: Origami Harbour Walk Fashion Fix Jam the Day Away MMA Board Games Softball Badminton Five a side Casino Make me beautiful Softball Animation Alnwick Castle, Roller Disco and Bowling Fast Food cookery Infinite Air Tennis Bowling Cake Making Day trip to Newcastle Basketball Day trip to The Dunes at South Shields Sweet Making Karaoke Flamingoland Disney Movie Marathon Junk Fashion Lego for Lads Creative Drawing Paranoia Photography Jewellery Making Wrag Wreath Making Sandcastle Competition Bunting Sponsored Walk

In addition to the half and full day activities on offer a large number of students chose to go a residential trip during the week.

Nearly 300 students took the opportunity to go on residents trips this year. The trips which took place were to: • Disneyland, Paris • Blackpool and Manchester • Legoland and Thorpe Park • Middle Teasdale on an Outward Bound residential • Tall Ships

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ACTIVITIES WEEK

Origami

During activities week students created origami dinosaurs, frogs, hearts and flowers. They even made paper aeroplanes and tested which would fly the furthest down the maths corridor. Mrs Cooper made a great stellated dodecahedron and Mrs Marsden made an icosahedron. Students took their creations home with pride or left them to be displayed in maths classroom.

Malaga, Spain July 2018

On Monday 9th July 38 students from Years 7-10 and 4 staff members woke up very early to head to Newcastle Airport. The flight to Malaga was just over two and a half hours, with some of our students experiencing their very first flight! We arrived in the South of Spain greeted with Summer temperatures of 33 degrees. Wow!

Throughout the jam packed week students were immersed into the Spanish culture and lifestyle. On the first day, we explored the area of La Cala where we were staying, right next to the beach then we visited the Treasure Caves in Malaga. We enjoyed two fantastic mornings in the local Language school, students were in small groups and were able to practise their Spanish skills and learned lots more useful phrases. We then visited the city centre of Malaga where we climbed to the top of the castle fort to take a look at the beautiful city from above and we had a great day shopping.

Students enjoyed a trip to the mountains in Ronda where we visited Spain’s oldest bull ring. We topped off a fantastic week with a beach sports day where students interacted and made friends with some Spanish students, we then visited Aqua Velis waterpark where both the students and staff enjoyed the wave pool and slides such as the Kamikaze. On the evening, we were treat to a wonderful Flamenco dance show and then took part in music workshops. Our students showed off some incredible talents.

All students were an absolute credit to the school and group leaders Miss Pyke, Mr Parker, Mr Reid and Mr Remmer were incredibly proud of their enthusiasm and effort.

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ACTIVITIES WEEK

Alnwick Castle and Gardens

During activities week 15 students accompanied Mrs Marsden and Mrs Cooper to Alnwick Castle and Gardens. We had a guided tour of the Poison Gardens and heard about poison plants growing in our gardens and countryside. Students saw the amazing fountains and the bamboo labyrinth in the gardens. In the castle we saw locations used in the filming of ‘Harry Potter and het Philosopher's Stone’’ and ‘Transformers, The Last Knight’. Students were then trained in how to fly a broomstick, all gained their licence to fly. The new Mini-golf course was fantastic fun as long as you weren’t too afraid of spiders and wasps. All students behaved impeccably and enjoyed a relaxed and enjoyable day.

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CAREERS

Raising Aspirations by bridging the gap between school and employers

Seaham High School & Engie This role is the perfect opportunity for Lee and his colleagues to share insights about job opportunities and Places and Communities the key skills that local and national businesses need, and (Hebburn) for the school to develop the most effective careers programme. The government’s Careers Strategy, launched in December 2017, and statutory guidance published in January of this The work and activities that we have planned over the year, set out a range of new requirements for schools and following 12 months will hopefully create more colleges. Gatsby Benchmarks are at the heart of the opportunities for the students of Seaham High and build Careers Strategy, with an expectation that all schools will better links for the school with business in the region. begin working toward the benchmarks, meeting them in full by the end of 2020. The eight Gatsby Benchmarks are based on best national and international research and What is Engie? define all the elements of an excellent careers programme. A global energy and services player, ENGIE operates in 70 From September 2018 every school must ensure that there countries, employing over 150,000 people. In the UK, is an opportunity for a range of education and training Engie is focussed on key activities; Energy, Services and providers to access all pupils in year 8 to year 13 for the Regeneration. The Places and Communities division is the purpose of informing them about approved technical leading provider of regeneration services in the UK - education, qualifications or apprenticeships. covering everything from community regeneration and The Gatsby Benchmarks have a key role in: refurbishment to repairs; maintenance and housing • raising our students’ aspirations and promoting development. We’re passionate about creating vibrant, access to all career pathways efficient and sustainable communities, using integrated • enabling young people in Seaham to develop the energy and services which make a real difference to skills and outlook they need to achieve career people’s lives. wellbeing, including adaptability and resilience

We have been working with the North East Local Pen profiles Enterprise Partnership to develop a new relationship with a senior employer representative to take on the role as our Mr Reid - Careers Leader Enterprise Advisor. I’ve been at the school since 2004 and I am responsible for Business, Careers and PSHE. I deal with all of our college Enterprise Advisers are senior business volunteers who and apprenticeship providers to ensure our students have work closely with a local school or college to help develop the best information to make decisions about their future a practical careers plan. This Adviser will support our after leaving school. We also have a programme of school through their contacts and own networks to help employer and education engagement through all year provide more experiences with employers for the students. groups to inspire and motivate our students. Prior to working in education I was a multiplex Cinema Manager Lee Francis, Area Director for Engie Places and responsible for a turnover of £1.5 million and over 40 staff. Communities has started working closely with Seaham High School since Spring 2018 in the role of an Enterprise Lee Francis - Area Director Adviser along with his colleague Amy Porter, Corporate Lee with has been with the company since 1997, starting Social Responsibility Manager. As an Enterprise Adviser as a trainee Quantity Surveyor, and has been promoted Lee has been meeting with Mr Reid, Careers Leader, to through the business over the last 21 years undertaking a develop a careers plan that gives students multiple variety of roles including commercial and operational opportunities to learn about work. functions. Lee is responsible for the North East region with a turnover c£70m and 200 staff members.

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White, fluffy clouds drifted across the pale blue sky; the golden sun radiated a warmth that spread like happiness; the gentle breeze danced around us in celebration; the scene was truly set for the prom of 2018.

As we stood in the grounds of the stunning 12th Century Country House Hotel, Beamish Hall, one by one, the students began to arrive, this year, choosing carriages ranging from sports cars to white, stretch limos.

The young ladies looked radiant in their colourful, sequined gowns that sparkled in the warmth of the sun. The young men, smart, dapper, original; their suits carefully chosen to reflect their personality or present them in the most handsome way possible.

The prom was a huge success and every student who attended had the most wonderful evening filled with food, fun, dancing, photographs and much more!

At the start of the event, many students took advantage of the warm summer evening and the beautiful gardens, where students could be heard chatting and laughing on the outdoor swing and seating area. They went on to dance into the night, filling the dance floor until the final song; finally leaving with their shoes and jackets in their hands, songs on their lips and their hearts filled with their hopes and dreams for the future.

The Class of 2018 Prom was a beautiful evening, one which I, as their year leader, will remember for a very long time and I hope they do too.

Miss H Ledger Year 11 Leader 2018

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THE PHOTO BOOTH

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THE TALL SHIPS

This year, our annual trip with Ocean Youth Trust (OYT) was very special. We were lucky enough to participate in the Tall Ships Race. On board alongside myself (Mr Green) were Harrison Ball, Molly Cheetham, Chelsea Coates, Travis Crowley, Ellie Richardson, Anthony Hollow, Jessica Harris, Ella Holt, Kodie Ruddock, Aoife Stancliffe, Louise Wheeler and Liam Whincop.

We boarded Sunday night, sailed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning, then docked in Sunderland (Hendon) for the remainder of the trip. Sailing proved to be challenging from day one, both mentally and physically, not many survived the first day. However, once the sun rose on the second day, spirits were high and we were ready to set sail again. The second day was a lot calmer and morals were very high. We docked back in North Shields and prepared the boat for the trip ahead, we loaded the ship with 14 full loaded trolleys. There were tins of beans in every nook and cranny. Day three was a day to remember, we sailed into Sunderland with the other tall ships from all around the world, it was truly remarkable. Once docked, we prepared the James Cook so that she was ready for the next leg of her journey. After all the hard work was completed, we participated in all kinds of activities with the other crews, we even had a crew party.

This trip was very memorable, not because it was part of the Tall Ships, but the sailing experience itself. It teaches you many new skills and helps develop your personal skills. If you ever get the chance to do this, I would highly recommend you do.

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The first day was fun. We boarded the ship and were kitted out in waterproof clothing and life jackets then set sail for Blyth. We had to all use strong power to hoist up the sails; they were very hard to put up. We sailed for 8 hours it was very great.

Day 2 we sailed back to North Shields and it took only 2 hours. We then sailed up to the Millennium Bridge and back to the piers. We had a great time using team work to work the ship. We all had a go at being the Helm (driver) and it was honestly my favourite part because it was the easiest. Andy (skipper), Mike (1st mate) and Beth (cadet) taught us lots of knowledge about ships and how they work.

Day 3 we sailed from North Shields into Sunderland port, when arriving in Sunderland we seen dolphins next to the pier. Once docked, we had to make the ship look pretty with flags; this is tradition for the tall ships.

Within my time on the ship, I learned how to do several knots and enjoyed every moment because every day was a new adventure. My favourite part was when we sailed into Sunderland and took part in the parade. It was amazing to see all of the beautiful, impressive ships. People from all over the world came to see us. We all thoroughly enjoyed the tall ships because it gave us life experience and gave us lifelong friends. It was a once in a life time opportunity and we are all glad we took part in the James Cook 5 day programme. It was truly amazing and I would definitely do this trip again.

Ellie Richardson Year 10

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ENGLISH

RELAXATION!

As the exam season approached, we took a number of Year 11 students to the Dunes in South Shields for a day filled with revision and reward. The idea behind the day is to have high intensity revision sessions followed by a period of reward and relaxation. Over the three days, we targeted a number of students each with focused sessions to maximise their chance at success. Each day, a new bus load of students turned up, eager to soak in that last bit of learning. The sessions were held on a carousel basis and the students moved between staff in order to explore exam specific skills for each part of their Language exam. Students engaged well with the learning and produced some lovely examples of work. After a hard day at work, the students were rewarded with a trip into the bowling alley and the extremely popular Laser Quest and fairground. This was the students’ chance to have some important relaxation time in preparation for their final exams. A great day was had by all!

Revision is vital in preparation for the new specifications and starting early is a must. Miss Bayfield’s 9P1 engaged in an active revision session near the end of last year when revisiting the poetry anthology. Students were tasked with identifying what they can remember followed by making a web around the room of how they all link. What started as an English lesson ended with some very impressive freestyle dance moves to navigate around the growing web.

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Stranger The Renegades At birth everyone is tattoed with their date of death. Mine’s dated yesterday. It’s the year 2058. Just four Sagas years ago, the ‘HPS’ (Health Protection Society) unveiled their newest contraption, known as the At the end of last year, students ‘BDTM’ or the ‘Birth to Death Tatto Machine’. across the school entered a Young Writers competition entitled ‘Stranger Going back to the beginning: people like me are Sagas’. Students were given a choice called renegades, because according to the ‘HPS’, Megan Earl of openings and a limit of 100 words we disrupt the cycle of life. We are hunted down and to write a story. killed. This is to preserve human evolution.

Congratulations goes to the following To anyone who receives this message: Stop the students whose work was successful ‘HPS’. They are evil and us renegades need your in being published. Well done! help…Please!

By Miss Atwater Aidan Williams (13)

The Phone Call PuBLISHED WRITERS: Aidan Williams I unravel the family portrait; if these are my Molly Cheetham Cheniese Shivier parents, who’s that downstairs? I’ve known Leah Purvis my family kept things from me but nothing Ebony Davies quite like this. Kodie Ruddock Has my whole life been a lie? My head starts Fern Gallagher to ache, as does my heart. Each breath is Vanessa Rademann getting shallower. Without giving it another Leah Bresnen thought, I storm downstairs to confront Chenise Sivier them. Ruby Temple However, by the time I reach the living room, Megan Earl there’s nothing but an eerie silence and a Adara Scollen note. It reads ‘There’s something we never told you’. That’s when I get the phone call, the one that will give me nightmares! Molly Cheetham, Adele Scollen, Ruby Tempest, Fern Gallagher Molly Cheetham (14) Don’t Go Into The Basement!

There was a noise coming from the basement. I slowly tiptoed out of the bedroom, pondering what could have Many GCSE students at Seaham High School caused the mysterious sound. celebrated great success in their English exam results this year. Over the last couple of Mum and Dad were at a late-night dinner party with their years, the exam specifications have changed boss and my big sister and little brother were at my nan’s drastically, removing the coursework element so I was home alone! and focusing solely on exam performance. However, this did not deter our students and I tried to ignore the sound but it was too distracting. Bang! our young people continued to strive for Over and over again. Finally, I opened my door and walked success, attending morning tutor groups, down the scary hall. drop down days and after school revision sessions. As a result, their success was I reached the basement and twisted the doorknob. Creak! phenomenal – a 10% rise in English Language How I wish I hadn’t opened that door! performance on last year. Students are to be commended for their determination and Leah Purvis (12) dedication, which has seen them reap such positive rewards. We are so proud of you all!

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MATHS Mathsplosion

The Further Maths Support Program organised a maths enrichment day held at the Life Centre in Newcastle. Students visited workshops exploring ‘A’ level maths concepts including ‘Infinity’ and ‘Topology’. They saw how maths was used to navigate in the planetarium and tried to make a mobius strip using a bagel. Students then learnt the maths behind some card tricks using modular arithmetic, they each came away with a pack of cards and a trick to amaze their friends. Well done to all that attended, in the feedback at the end of the day a number of students expressed an increased interest in studying mathematics at ‘A’ level.

Year 10 Financial Maths

In September week we launched the start of Financial Maths lessons in form time with year 10. Each week students will discuss different aspects of financial maths such as the meaning of credit and debit in order to have a better understanding of how some of these issues could have an impact on them.

UKMT Junior Maths Challenge

We had another fantastic set of results in the Junior Maths Challenge, Sydney Vardy in Year 7 did particularly well to achieve Best in School, Best in Year and a Silver Certificate (Very close to Gold).

IN YEAR 8

Silver certificates Jack Barstead (Best in Year), Harry Barrass, Josh Mullen, Alex Barrow, Liam Temple, Maths Challenge Lorcan Pinder.

Wellfield School organised a maths challenge for year 9 and 10 students. Bronze certificates Four year 9 and 10 students worked in pairs to complete a number of Christopher Playle, Joseph Beattie, Grace challenges. They began with the poster competition that required students Adamson, Charlie Lavery and Jude to create a poster with reference to maths in engineering. One team won Thompson. first place for their creativeness and knowledge of maths used in Formula 1. Another challenge they faced was the team contest, students had to IN YEAR 7 race through questions that relied on their previous teammates answer. One team won second place in this challenge but were only a few marks Bronze certificates from first place. All 8 students worked extremely well and are a credit to Summer McKenzie, Andy Zheng, Sophie Seaham High School. Robinson.

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Durham STEM day

MCS Projects organised a Science and Technology challenge event at . Twelve Year 8 students worked in pairs with a pair of students from a different school. They completed three challenges; creating a Photofit using the same software as the police; programming a Legomindstorm robot to navigate a maze; Using medical diagnostic techniques to diagnose a patient’s illness from their symptoms. One team won the photofit challenge and Aimee Parker and Christopher Playle were half of the overall winning team. They will go on to the Regional Final in December or January held at a Manchester University. Congratulations to all that took part.

VEX Robot Challenge

Mike Nelson brought into school VEX robotic kits and took 30 Year 7 and 30 Year 8 students for half day robot challenge. Students worked in teams learning how to program their robot to around a course. Students feedback included, ‘Super fun!.’, ‘Amazing.’ and the most enjoying learning how to Numeracy in Form Time-Year 7, 8, 9 code the robot. Year 10 STEM ambassadors were around to assist and managed to program a robot In September week we launched Numeracy in form time for themselves to turn around, display ‘It’s coming all students in year 7, 8 and 9. The aim is get all students home.’ and had an LED display resembling the confident with the four operations in Maths and to be able flag. Everyone seemed to thoroughly to apply these to worded problems. Once week, students enjoy the challenge and are enthused about will be in teams can get a chance to complete practice computing and taking part in any future robotic questions before discussion then they will have challenge challenges or competitions. Well done to all that questions to complete. The teams with the best score will took part, Mike Nelson was incredibly impressed win weekly and termly prizes. with your teamwork and problem solving skills.

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HUMANITIES “There But Not There” - Tommy

The poppies at the Tower of London captured the start of the national WWI commemoration. However, at Seaham High School, we are proud to host our very own “There But Not There” Tommy silhouette which we are confident will be the abiding concluding image of the 100 year anniversary of the end of the First World War.

Tommy is just one of thousands of the silhouettes positioned in locations of remembrance around the country. The instillations are positioned where the sacrifice of soldiers was felt the most. They are in the communities that these men and women left behind, never to return.

Our very own Tommy currently stands watch over our war memorial within the school grounds. He will become an important part of our remembrance celebrations in 2018 and beyond as we continue to remember the sacrifice of the brave soldiers who have fought and died for our freedom. Later in the term we hope to take our “There But Not There” silhouette on a tour of important historical sites in Seaham as part of our ongoing work to mark the centenary of the end of WWI.

Year 11 History Update Following on from the year 10 GCSE mock exam results and Visit by the our first set of results achieved by our last year’s GCSE groups, we are now more confident than ever in saying that success in History comes at a cost. The cost is hard-work in lessons and Lord Lieutenant ONGOING revision at home. We saw a clear difference between the results of those pupils who had engaged in The History Department was once again proud to revision throughout the year and those who chose to revise in welcome the H.M. Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham, the month leading up to the examinations. You must now Sue Snowdon, to look around the excellent work decide how successful you want to be in History and put the completed by our students as part of the official school work in to achieve this. opening. Pupils really put on a show by creating an interactive walk-through tour, showcasing their History Intervention 6 and Revision 6 sessions will be held on knowledge on the development of medieval medical. Thursday afternoons. If pupils are invited to I6 sessions then Mrs Snowdon was able to learn about the theory of the attendance is compulsory. Attendance at R6 sessions is four humours, the process by which a medieval doctor compulsory for all. would reach a medical diagnosis, popular surgical procedures and supernatural cures available in Should you have any questions or concerns then please don’t Medieval England. Once again, the Lord-Lieutenant left hesitate in contacting me on the email address listed below. the department impressed with the standard of knowledge, understanding and confidence of our pupils Brian Kirtley - Curriculum Leader for History in expressing their learning. Well done to all involved. [email protected]

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YOUNG CARERS Young Carers GROUP Trip to Planet Leisure

As part of our continued efforts to support and reward our young carers who demonstrate unwavering dedication to their school work, despite coping with the pressures and struggles of their caring roles, we organised a fun-filled day Young at Planet Leisure. Carers As well as honing their bowling skills, our carers challenged each other in a game of laser quest, refuelled at the American Diner, participated in a roller disco and Achieve trampolined their worries away!

Charter “Planet Leisure was outstanding! Personally, my Seaham High School held a very special favourite part of the day was the Laser Quest as it event on Friday 29th June to celebrate the really got you moving and battling for a position. I also achievements of our Young Carers. 25 Young loved the trampoline park as there was so many Carers were treated to an afternoon tea opportunities to perform many tricks and multiple served by their teachers who make up the stunts. It was amazing to do as a young care just Young Carers Support Group. The group knowing that you can have a break and spent time supports over 40 young carers at the school to ensure that their extra caring with other people in the same situation.” By Jake responsibilities does not hinder their Barstead Year 8 schoolwork or progress.

Also at the event was the Mayor of Seaham Councillor Barbara Allen and her consort Mr Brian Allen, Seaham High School’s Chair of Governors, Mr David Wilkinson and Community Engagement Officer Phillipa May.

Mrs Paula Lowerson-Marshall who leads the group said, “ The staff, who all volunteer for the group, work really hard to help support the needs of these exceptional young people and the group is so proud of receiving the Young Carers Neighbourhood Charter for another two years.” The group consists of other staff including Miss Claire Atwater, Mrs Lauren Nicholson, Mrs Pat Douglas and Mrs Joanne Curtis.

The Young Carers Neighbourhood Charter is awarded to those schools that reach certain standards in their support of Young Carers; therefore, to achieve this accreditation is a huge accomplishment by the school and its support group.

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TECHNOLOGY Future Business Magnates 2017/2018

Future Business Magnates is a highly successful business enterprise competition for local schools in our area. The competition was established in 2005 and has grown from its small beginnings to cover most of the secondary schools in County Durham.

This exciting and fun competition aims to build enthusiasm in young people and introduces them to the basics of starting and running a business. School teams are supported by a business partner from a local firm who work with the team throughout the competition, lending their experience and expertise and guiding them in their first business venture.

Future Business Magnates is launched each year in the Autumn term. Each school selects a team from Year 8 who are given a brief to start a business inspired by the theme of the competition. The theme changes each year and reflects aspects and elements of the current business environment. Each team develops their business idea and participates in a series of six challenges which include everything from team building, product design, marketing and finance. Ultimately pitching their business to a panel of industry experts at the close of the competition before the Awards Dinner at the end of the competition where the winners are announced.

A lucky group of year our 8’s had the opportunity to take part in the Future Business Magnates competition 2017/18 and had a great time attending lots of different workshops which included visits to Beamish Museum and Durham University. The team members were Aimee Parker, Billie-Leigh Tasker, Eve Spargo, Joseph Beattie, Sarah Feechan and Sinead Gustard. They all worked very well as a team, each having their own specific strength which they worked to when completing the tasks. The six challenges were all completed to a very high standard with a professional product designed, made and marketed at the end. This Breast Cancer Care was then presented to a panel of industry judges who wanted to know everything about their product and how Afternoon Tea it worked. The team then attended an Awards Dinner where, once again spoke about their product to local On Thursday, 28 June 2018 Health and Social Care students hosted an businesses. The students involved in the competition afternoon tea for the staff in aid of Breast Cancer Care. They were aided by were a credit to the school receiving some excellent the year 10 catering students who prepared cheese scones, meringues and feedback from the local and wider community of County cupcakes for the staff to enjoy. The event was very well supported raising Durham. £207.06 for a very deserving charity. A very well done to them all!

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TECHNOLOGY

Bright and early on Tuesday 10th July 94 students and 10 staff embarked on an epic coach journey to Disneyland Paris where we would spend 4 fantastic days. The group enjoyed time in both Disneyland Park and Disney Studios and had the opportunity to go on rides such as Space Mountain and the terrifying Hollywood Tower of Terror as well as the opportunity to meet those famous Disney characters including Mickey Mouse! Look out for details about this year’s trip coming very soon, maybe next year you could join us on this magical trip!

Modkit Robotics STEM

A rewarding afternoon was given to the highest awarding students in Year 7 and 8 across the STEM subjects. Students were given the task of working as a group to programme a robot around a course from point A to B but had to navigate it along a path. The robot could be programmed using a software alled Modkit as well as adapted to incorporate different input and outputs as a challenge.

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TECHNOLOGY Technology End of Year Awards

Every half term technology staff nominate a student who has demonstrated a high level of effort and engagement; the teacher also links the students’ work to one of the 6Rs. Students are presented with a picture frame during their year’s awards assembly and invited to EG1 for hot chocolate and cakes to enjoy on the last day of term. Mrs Holliday kindly produced some amazing treats for these students who have worked hard throughout the whole year in technology.

Auckland Castle Visit Year 10 construction students were invited to Auckland Castle to view the multimillion pound refurbishment of the building. Students were given a detailed explanation of the site as well as a tour of the live construction site, which was in progress whilst the students were walking around. This type of trip is hoped will inspire and prove vital as their construction studies continue into Year 11.

In June the Year 10 construction classes welcomed Richard Woodhouse from Northumbria Water for a talk on how they process and transport water into our homes every day. This fascinating presentation explained not only the infrastructure it has built around the North East but also the wide range of skills and jobs needed to collect, process and deliver it. The pupils learnt about the importance of working with the community and especially enjoyed the VR headset where they could virtually wander round a new processing facility before it has been built. This gave us all a valuable insight into a very precious service that we will not be taken for granted anymore when we turn on the tap.

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Activteach

From September our online homework system will be changing to SCIENCE ActiveLearn. This homework is designed to support learning through to GCSE. The website is https://www.pearsonactivelearn.com/app/Home

Pupils will be provided with a username in their science lessons in the first week of term. A generic password has been set as homework1. If you need any support with this system please contact any member of the science faculty.

Bad science After the joke of the term. geese came A photon checks into a hotel and is asked if he ducklings! Well after the success of our chick needs any help with his 11 sprightly ducklings made their way hatching we decided to incubate some luggage. He says, "No, goose eggs. to Seaham high school. I'm traveling light." Many students thought they looked like There are 2 varieties of ducks and it’s baked potatoes as the eggs were so very difficult to decide which one is big (and dirty). the cutest.

We had 4 hatch and they thrived in school for 2 weeks before we had to send them off to the allotment as they were growing so big that their heads were popping out over the top of the brood box!

On Friday 8th June Year 8 made their way down to Red Acre Beach to support World Ocean Day by carrying out a beach clean-up. The focus for World Ocean Day this year was problem plastics so after researching the way that plastics impact on the ocean we decided that we should get involved. Miss Dodds, Mr Judd and Mr Lax took 33 pupils down the beach where they spent the morning picking up rubbish. Year 8 were a credit to both the school and to the town on the day. Well done guys.

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For this edition’s kitchen science corner, we’re going to try a simple but fascinating trick with an egg and a bottle. Intrigued? Then read on…

This is an old trick that lets you squeeze a hardboiled into a bottle SCIENCE with a relatively narrow neck. It looks impossible but is very simple to do.

The trick works because when the matches Firstly, you need a hardboiled burn, they heat up the air inside the bottle and egg. 20 minutes in simmering release steam (water) as a part of the water should be enough. Once combustion reaction. This process causes the your egg has cooled, you need to air inside the bottle to expand, forcing some peel off the shell, being careful out of the bottle. not to damage the egg itself.

Once the egg seals the top of the bottle, the Now we’re ready to put the egg in matches quickly run out of oxygen and go out. the bottle. You’ll need some As the air in the bottle cools, the volume of air matches, and a glass bottle, inside the bottle drops due to condensation of something like a milk bottle will the water vapour (look for the little "cloud" work well. inside the bottle just as the match goes out) and the cooling of dry air. 1.Stand the glass bottle upright with the opening skywards. This When the volume of the air drops, it exerts less is the necessary position to pressure on the egg, while the air pressure perform this trick. outside of the bottle doesn't change. The egg is pushed into the bottle once the difference 2.Make sure that you use a glass between those forces is sufficient to deform bottle. Using a plastic bottle (or a the egg and overcome friction with the neck of bottle made of any material other the bottle. than glass) could be very dangerous.

3.The mouth of the bottle should be Seaham science small, but still at least half the diameter of the egg (like a milk students visit the bottle) Centre for Life 4.Carefully light three matches. With On Tuesday 20th February a group of Year 10 extreme caution, drop them into students visited the centre for Life to participate the bottle. Wait a second or two. in a space -based physics based work shop. 5.Quickly put the egg onto the The work shop involved building a spectroscope. bottle's opening, wide end up. A spectroscope is an instrument used to examine Don’t wait too long to put the egg the coloured spectral lines emitted by stars. on the bottle or the matches will go out and this trick won’t work. Each individual star has its own unique spectral pattern making it easier to identify. 6. After the matches go out, the egg will be pulled into the bottle. This was followed by a meal at Za Za Bazzars Then, you can amaze your friends where students were able to choose from a range with your egg in a bottle. of dishes. Students were returned to school by 7.30 p.m.

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LITERACY

Literacy across the Curriculum

Lexia

Selected students at Seaham High School participate in our literacy intervention programme, Lexia. Students work independently at their own pace through individualised learning paths to develop fundamental reading skills in a structured, sequential manner. Over 100 certificates have been achieved by students since January. Congratulations to Molly Jackson, who is the first student to complete Lexia, gaining Level 5 in July.

Information for parents Here are some usage tips to help support your child if they are using Lexia:

1. Lexia adapts according to the individual needs of your child, and we strongly advise you do not help them through the program. It is best to let your child work on Lexia independently. If you think they are struggling on a particular skill, please ask your son or daughter to try another activity and inform Miss Brown.

2. Stress to your child, Lexia is set for homework. Although it looks like a game – it isn’t!

3. Children perform best when they are not tired. Schedule Lexia as a routine for early evenings and on the weekend.

4. Make sure Lexia is used in a quiet room (headphones are a good idea).

5. When on school holiday, increase sessions to reach 3 x 20 minute sessions per week.

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LITERACY

Literacy across the Curriculum Tutor Newspaper Competition

Tutor groups in year 7 and 8 turned journalists for a term and produced a tutor newspaper. There were some amazing finished entries for our competition and the winning form was 7DOP, congratulations Mrs Douglas. In second place was 7ATC and the runners up were 7HAR, 8PYJ and 8LOW.

Look out for our new exciting competition later on in the year where again fabulous prizes are to be won.

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Netball teams in years 7-11 took part in the East Durham leagues and GCSE PE RESULTS Tournaments last year. This year’s will be starting next week and training will be held on Tuesday nights – see you Our year 11 GCSE PE students have been working really all there!! hard completing their practical assessments, dedicating their time before school, after school and during the holidays to finalise their grades. Good luck to them all, a genuinely lovely class who have been a pleasure to teach.

RACE FOR LIFE

We held our 4th annual Race For Life event on Wednesday 13th June 2018. It was a fantastic afternoon. Well done to all who took part.

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SCHOOL AND LEADERSHIP COMMUNITY ACADEMY

CLUB LINKS Our Leadership Academy students have worked hard over the last year to build up a This year we are looking to further develop PE huge number of Leadership hours by our links with local sports teams and clubs volunteering at local Primary Schools and by running a number of after school clubs helping in local sports clubs. Those who including KS3 Cricket (linked with David have been part of the Leadership Academy, Gibson from Seaham Park Cricket Club) which is ran by the School Sports and Basketball (linked with David Wyllie Partnership, have had the opportunity to from ). The volunteer, officiate and coach at various Basketball and Cricket Clubs will start again sports events throughout the year. early in the term.

SCOTT BAKER - OVARIAN CANCER 1000 10K RUNS IN SPORTS DAY 1000 DAYS

Scott Baker, the father of Year 9 student Rosie We held our first annual Baker, has been running his way towards the Sports Days for years 7 & 8 amazing challenge of completing a 10k run this year. Students competed every day for 1000 days. Scott is completing in a variety of events to earn the challenge to raise awareness and points for their tutor groups. sponsorship for ovarian cancer. Scott started The events were 100m, 3 leg the challenge on 1st December 2016 and will race, egg and spoon race, finish on the 27th August 2019, he reached the sack races and 4 x 100m half way point on 14th of April this year. In order to reach his target, he has sometimes relay for girls, boys and a completed runs at midnight or two runs in one mixed race. day, with each run taking 40-45 minutes. The school have supported Scott with this fantastic Year 7 overall winner 7HAR project and donated over £300 pounds to Year 8 overall winner 8WGM ‘Target Ovarian Cancer’, which was raised through our students taking part in a non- uniform day. If anybody would like to make a donation to the charity this can be done through the just giving page which has been set up at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Scott-Baker1000 page 38  

SPORTS AMBASSADORS YEAR 7/8 MOUNTAIN BIKING Both of our boys and girls teams took part in the district mountain Gabrielle McDonald and Isobel Hundson were biking competition at Dene School in Peterlee and both teams won appointed as Girl’s Sports Ambassadors and take their respective competitions meaning they qualified for the county over from Eloise Gee. Josh Maratty and Charlie finals in Barnard Castle, which were held as part of the County Johnson were appointed as Boy’s Sports Summer School Games. On the day both teams performed to an Ambassadors and take over from Josh Halliday. excellent standard with BOTH teams winning the county finals. What an achievement!!!! We look forward to seeing all of the exciting new ideas they have taking off and working together with their team of Sports Ambassadors over the course ACTIVITIES WEEK of the year. During activities week this year the PE department ran a wide range of school based sporting activities including football, cricket, dodgeball, tennis, badminton, table tennis MMA fitness and netball. BTEC SPORT RESULTS

KINGSWAY RESIDENTIAL Our year 11 BTEC Sport Students achieved a 100% The PE department ran a residential trip to Kingsway Activity Centre. Pass-Distinction* success rate, with 19% gaining a Students took part in a variety of activities including kayaking, Distinction or Distinction*. Congratulations to our canoeing, high ropes, raft building, crate stacking and slippin’ slide. two top performing students who were Emma Early and Jay Yare who both achieved a Distinction*. Well done to everyone for all your hard work over the two years of the course.

ASSESSMENT IN PE - AAA Throughout the year KS3 students will be assessed against a range of key skills which are needed to prepare them for studying sports and dance related courses at Key Stage 4. Within PE, students are being assessed against the 3 key skills of performance, leadership and evaluating & improving.

PE KIT DONATION ‘KIT AMNESTY’ It would be greatly appreciated if any parents, who have bought their children new PE kit or training shoes for the start of the new school year, can donate any old items to the PE department, which can be used to hand out to students who need to borrow kit for lessons. KIT POLICY Just a quick reminder that ALL students are expected to provide their FULL PE kit for ALL lessons, whether they are taking a physically active part in the lesson or if they are medically excused. Students who are excused are expected to provide a note from parent / carers as well as their full kit, as although they wont be performing in lessons, they will be involved in coaching, leadership, officiating and organiser roles. The school PE kit is a blue polo shirt with the school badge, plain black shorts or black tracksuit bottoms and training shoes. We appreciate the support of parents / carers in ensuring that their children have full kit for every PE lesson.

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Congratulations Y11 leavers

Congratulations to all students who passed their GCSE Geography HUMANITIES exams. A special mention to the following students who achieved above their target grade: Lauren Billingham, Abbie Berry, Corey Brennan, Finn Griffin, Max Hall, Rebecca Young, Zoe Atkinson, Jackson Beattie, Emma Bulmer, Jade Burney, Ebony Cooper, Sophie Gowland, Aliyah Shah, Connor Turner and Caitlin Winder. A big well done to Faye Green who achieved the highest grade in Geography.

In the second week of September, Y11 completed their final piece of fieldwork in preparation for their paper 3 exams. Students visited Seaham’s coastline, examining the evidence to prove erosion was occurring. For the first time in two years, the weather was finally on our side!

Attention Y10’s!

Very shortly we will have revision guides and workbooks on offer for you to purchase. They will be priced at £5 for both the guide and workbook (which is full of exam practice). This will save you £11 compared to buying from a store! Please

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Humanities Games Club

Throughout the year the Games Club have met to play a zombie role play game. We even played for days in activities week. It’s a bit like Dungeons and Dragons but with more of a Walking Dead feel. These students have escaped zombie riots, walker infested malls and the most dangerous enemies of all, their fellow survivors. This year the group will be expanding…

On Tuesday nights after school we will be playing Gaslands and a selection of Warhammer games after a generous donation of figures, modelling equipment, paints and books from the Games Workshop School Alliance. We look forward to seeing you there.

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HUMANITIES Y11 Superstars

We are incredibly proud of how much effort our year 11 leavers put in. We have never seen so many students at revision sessions ever before. It is great to see young people take so much responsibility for their own learning and being so committed to their success. We would particularly like to mention the following students who performed well in Religious Studies: Neisha Carr Jack Dobson Kirstie Gill Rebecca Godfrey Jessica Graham Faye Green Sophie Hughes Billy Magee Bird Sophie Hughes Billy Magee Bird Josh Remmer Rebecca Young

Josh Remmer Rebecca Godfrey Kirstie Gill Jack Dobson

Neisha Carr Rebecca Young Jessica Graham Faye Green

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NEW STAFF

Mr O’Malley – Data & Exams Manager You’ll probably find me sat in my little greenhouse of an office either very happy with myself or cursing the fact that my computer isn’t doing what I want it to!! I am Adam O’Malley A.K.A The data guy and yes that defiantly sounds like the title to an action film starring Denzel Washington. I used to work for Middlesbrough council looking after a number of primary schools around the area but I wanted a bigger and better challenge so I made the move over to the mighty Seaham High School!

Outside of School I am a superstar gym going rugby playing monster, if I do say so myself. Two fun facts about me I can deadlift 240KG and I’ve played against France’s super league rugby union team. Also I would like to thank everyone for being very welcoming!

Anna Cowey You may have seen me roaming the English corridors with a confused expression as I searched for the right room last year. I am Mrs Cowey and I started working at Seaham High School in February 2018.

I used to work at in Stanley as a full time English teacher, and now I have the utmost joy to write that I am a full time member of Seaham’s unique and innovative English department. The staff and students at Seaham have been nothing but welcoming; you have all made my first few months of working here wonderful. Outside of school I am an avid reader and gamer. I welcome any opportunity to chat about your favourite author or whatever book you are currently reading. Equally, I enjoy discussing what games are coming out in the future and which games you can’t stop playing. I am at present addicted to playing Hollow Knight, a deceptively difficult game on Nintendo’s Switch.

Once again, thank you for welcoming me so warmly.

Hello, my name is Mr Kirtley, the Head Hi! My name is Julie Hebron, I currently work as of History. I have joined Seaham High an Enhanced Teaching Assistant within blue School after previously working at St pathways. I joined Seaham High School from Joseph’s in Hebburn. My interests Howletch lane Primary school, where I worked as include playing the guitar, football, and a Special Support Assistant. the study of the past. I am excited at the prospect of teaching the young people I love spending time with my family, socialising with of Seaham over the coming years. friends and enjoy trips away in the caravan.

I look forward to the challenges ahead and would like to thank the students and staff for the very warm welcome I’ve received.

Hi, my name is Mrs Young and I am an I’m Miss Graham and I’ve joined Seaham Enhanced Teaching Assistant here at High School from High Tunstall College of Seaham High. My role is to support year Science in Hartlepool. I teach DT, and my main 7 students. For the past 12 years I have passion is food! My favourite foods are eggs, worked at Ribbon Primary School at Ferrero Rocher’s, avocado and anything Murton, as a Teaching Assistant. Mexican! I like to visit restaurants and to burn What I like most about my role is when off the calories I go running! I completed my students succeed in being the very best 3rd Great North Run this year. I am that they can be. What I dislike most is embarrassed to say I am a Love Island when students are disrespectful to addict… Thank you to all of the staff and others. students who have been so welcoming so far!

My social life revolves around my two boys, who both play football and any other sport that’s available to them. Totally, looking forward to a successful future, here at Seaham high.

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NEW STAFF

Hi everyone, Most of you already know me as I have worked here at Seaham for 4 years now in the Art department. However, this year I have a new job role as a full time teacher in Art. I have been a qualified Art teacher for a number of years and I am very excited to have been given the opportunity to work as an Art teacher here at Seaham High School.

In previous years I have ran a KS3 Art club, which I plan to continue this year. We have completed some fantastic art work for Total Fitness gym in Seaham and also Cedar Court Care Home, if you would like to be part of my after school club then keep an eye out on the screens for up to date information about the club.

I am really looking forward to a successful year working with all staff and students, in particular the Creative Arts team. Miss McNally

Hi, I am Mr Williams. I have come from I'm Miss Thompson and I've recently High Tunstall College of Science in joined Seaham High School from Hartlepool to become 2nd in English at Venerable Bede CofE Academy. I am a Seaham, specifically working with Year 7 huge Peaky Blinders fan and I enjoy and 8. I have had a wonderful first few days spending my free time eating with at Seaham High School with students and friends. Apart from being a classroom staff making me feel very welcome from the teacher in the English department, at off - long may this continue! With regards to Seaham High I am also responsible for English, my favourite book is 1984 by overseeing the curriculum and George Orwell and I love the creative and progress of all Year 9 students. I am persuasive writing aspect of English. also going to be working on Outside of school, I am a keen follower and developing oracy across the school. player of football. I currently hold a season Since joining the school, I have been ticket for Newcastle United (something overwhelmed by the warm welcome I which I know will get me a lot of stick here!) have received from both staff and and play every Sunday morning for my local students. I'm excited for what the team. future holds at Seaham High! Thanks and very much look forward to meeting each and every one of you.

Hello, my name is Miss Brodie and I have Hello my name is Mr Fullerton. After recently joined the Science department at graduating from university, many years Seaham High School. Before moving to the ago, I worked as an engineer in school I was teaching Science at Hampton Russia, Libya and the North Sea. After High in Greater London, close to the area this I then studied and worked in where I grew up. Interests of mine include finance within several of the banks in drawing, reading, and going on as many the North East. Before starting at trips abroad as possible! I also enjoy Seaham High School in September, I spending time with my family, something I worked at a school in Gateshead for 4 will be able to do much more of now, since years. Since September I have really I have relocated to the North. enjoyed my time here and I am looking I am looking forward to sharing my forward to teaching the young people knowledge with all the students and hope I of Seaham, so that they may have the inspire many future scientists at Seaham opportunities and experiences in their High School. lives like the ones I have had.

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My name is Miss Murray and I am the new Head of Geography at Seaham High School. I am returning to the North East of England as I have been teaching in Scotland for 4 years. It is great to be back and at Seaham High School. I am a keen physical geographer and love nothing better and getting outdoors to see first hand the geography that we learn about everyday! Apart from being a geography geek, I love sports and over the past three years taken up skiing and ski touring. It is not just winter sports that I enjoy but netball and athletics in particular are a passion. I am really excited about starting a new chapter at Seaham High School and being part of a school that is growing and developing to ensure that the students achieve their best!

Hello, my name is Mr Glymond and I’m a new science teacher and Y7 form tutor this year. I graduated from the University My name is Mr Teasdale and I’m the new Head of ICT at Seaham High of Sunderland with a degree in School. For the last ten years I have taught ICT at Prudhoe Community Biomedical Science and I also trained as High School in Northumberland, teaching students from year 9 right a teacher at Sunderland last year. through to year 13. My claim to fame is that I taught GCSE ICT to Sunderand AFC’s captain, George Honeyman. I really enjoy running and When I’m not in the lab, I spend a lot of even doing the occasional triathlon! As you might expect from an ICT my time rowing on the river Wear, getting teacher I also have a love of technology and gadgets. I like to read and the ready to compete at national book that I am currently reading is ‘Extreme Ownership- How U.S Navy competitions like the British SEALS Lead and Win’ by Jocko Willink. My goals for 2019 are to championships. I also enjoy running and complete my third marathon, possibly do my first ultra-marathon and to cycling, although my last attempt at the have a great first year at Seaham High School. coast2coast had to be abandoned because of a thunderstorm!

I can’t wait for this year at Seaham and am looking forward to getting to know everyone!

I’m Miss Hood and I’ve joined the Humanities department as Geography teacher. I love dogs and going for walks Hi, my name is Ronan Conway and I along the beach and in the countryside. I am very excited to be working at am originally from Bournemouth but Seaham High School and specifically studied at Newcastle University, I fell in with the Science department. I have love with the North East and never left! I spent almost all of my career in Essex am eager to share my love of Geography and I am returning to the North East and hope to inspire the next generation where I first started teaching. of “Geographers” at Seaham. I have been overwhelmed by how friendly and My interests include anything sports welcoming both the staff and students related especially the Republic of Ireland have been since I started and I am football team and believe it or not SAFC! excited to see what the future holds! I also really enjoy travelling. South America is next on the agenda! Looking forward to meeting you all

Miss Douglas Hi, I am the new Education Welfare Officer Hi, I am new to the science for Seaham High School, Seaview Primary department at Seaham High School and Ropery Walk Primary School. school, I am excited to be starting You will see me at Seaham High on teaching here. I studied Chemistry Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. My role at Durham University and I hope to is to support pupil attendance at school. bring some excitement to science Before coming to Seaham High School I lessons. In my free time I enjoy worked at Wellfield School in Wingate and running, teaching and partaking in before that at Shincliffe Primary School. dance classes. Philippa Lythgoe

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MLF

Phonics With pronunciation, intonation and speaking “ more fluently being an area of focus by Ofsted and“ in the new 9-1 GCSE, it is important that students get to grips with phonics as soon as possible.

This helps students implement sound- spelling links to improve pronunciation and can encourage learners to take part in more speaking activities inside and outside of the classroom.

2018 German From Results Well done to all the students and staff for the best Mrs Duchêne GCSE results for many years! Despite the challenge of facing the new, tougher GCSE for the first time, we I will soon be leaving you all to have my first baby and achieved an 8% increase in pass rates compared to although I’m sure I’ll be very busy at home, I will last year’s results! This was undoubtedly due to definitely miss the students! Luckily, Mr Davis, who is students’ hard work, commitment and perseverance covering my maternity leave, is just as passionate and the effective intervention put in place by the MFL about languages as I am! He has made a fantastic staff. German continues to be the language most impression throughout the department, and has sought after by north east employers and we wish all already proven himself to be very popular with the the students the very best of luck in the future, students! Mr Davis can speak French, German and hopefully their language skills will stand them in good Spanish and will certainly be an asset to the languages stead for years to come! department this year!

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Me gusta español

Spanish has now been a subject at Seaham High School for a whole year. Students continue to learn about culture and traditions in Spain as well as learning how to communicate in the foreign language. Already we have been on a trip to Spain, we have tasted tapas, enjoyed MFL movie club, visited the language students at a local university and we have been into the local primary schools to teach Year 6 Spanish. Students have shown a real passion for learning Spanish and Head of Spanish, Miss Pyke is thrilled at the fantastic start all students have made in this new subject. There is lots more to look forward to; such as more Spain trips, making links with Spanish schools, language projects and competitions.

On Wednesday 20th June 5 students from 9P1 Spanish went to Durham University to take part in a Spanish marketing challenge. Working alongside university undergraduates, the students had to use their language skills to produce a voice over in Spanish for a local initiative called The Auckland Project. The 5 girls showed fantastic resilience and took risks when tackling some very high level Spanish. They were an absolute credit to the school and learnt how they can use their language skills in the world of work. Great team work girls, well done!

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page 48 Horizon Autumn 2018 Newsletter_Layout 1 9/28/18 11:09 AM Page 50 s Tour of our school

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Opening day fun!

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page 51 Horizon Autumn 2018 Newsletter_Layout 1 9/28/18 11:09 AM Page 1 Photo booth