Issue 34: Spring Term 2020 Term Issue 34: Spring

King James I Academy magazine

Bringing History to Life

Inside: Young Americans Visit, £30K Music Grant, New Football Partnership, Christmas Activities, Film Making in Malta, Careers Fair, Author Visit, Innovative Religious Studies and much more. WELCOME United by music, dance & from the Head PERFORMANCE our members of The Young Americans Performing FArts Group have recently travelled all the way from the USA to visit King James to meet the staff and students they will be working with in February.

The Young Americans organisation, which but also build was founded by Milton C. Anderson in confidence and 1962, is dedicated to the promotion of self-esteem. There understanding and goodwill among people will also be a focus ello readers and welcome to our throughout the world through music, dance, on supporting Hfirst edition of 2020 Vision; our performance, academic education and others and forging Vision magazine for a new decade. I do cultural interaction among their audiences. new friendships hope that you have all had a peaceful as many of the Christmas and have started your New Members are accepted into the organisation activities depend Year in style. based upon their talent and their interest upon group in helping other students around the world collaboration. Once again, Vision provides an excellent to attain self-confidence, self- esteem and opportunity for readers to look back respect for others through music, dance and During the initial visit last term, the four on the many exciting and varied, performance. They follow the philosophy Young Americans, Dylan, Giorgi, Ryan educational and fun-filled activities that that music brings people together for and Marley, pictured above, worked with made 2019 a year to remember, and to many purposes: teamwork, respect, members of RTS Theatre Group to put on Another triumphant look forward to the many opportunities accomplishment, caring, self discipline, a an inspiring performance in the Main Hall. available to our students in the new year. sense of self worth and much more, which Following this they invited our students to are all taught in their workshops. apply for the masterclasses next month and This edition really captures the way in the response was overwhelming with over which our young people have embraced In February a group of 25 Young Americans 200 students signing up. Those who have not CHRISTMAS SHOW opportunities and have supported their will visit King James and spend three days yet secured a place need not worry however, communities. From their commitment to in our school working with students in as the Young Americans have agreed to work raise £10,000 to support local charities to Years 7-9, Sixth Formers and members of with all interested students. New applicants his year, our Christmas show, ‘The Last Atten and their development of a new and highly RTS Theatre Group at King James. Students should see Miss Thwaites in the first instance. will be able to take part in a variety of the Curse of Papa Mentooi’ involved outstanding successful catering business, from their T 204 FIRST CHOICE support for Juniors FC workshops, and fast paced rehearsals, which We are pleased to be one of only four schools performances by 90 young people. to hosting a tea party for local residents, will culminate in a spectacular show on the in England to have secured a visit from this evening of February 4th. group and hope that our students enjoy the applications! it is clear that our students are always As is the custom of our RTS Theatre Group In addition to the free matinees, three willing to go the extra mile. experience. Tickets will be available soon for The group promotes an encouraging the Young Americans show; it is suitable for at King James, children from local primary hugely successful evening performances hanks to our high quality of teaching, schools were invited to enjoy the show for were attended by over 700 members of our diverse curriculum and excellent The arrival of the Young Americans will environment for students to push past any all ages and guaranteed to be an evening to T facilities, we have received 204 first provide another fantastic opportunity insecurities so participants can expect to remember. King James students will perform free over two days in our Main Hall. These local community, who all left in high spirits choice applications for Year 7 entry in for our students to excel, and all this develop not only their skills in performance, during the second half of the show. matinee performances were attended by thanks to the enthusiastic performances after a stunning Christmas Show that, pupils from Cockton Hill, Copeland Road, and infectious music. September. with its cast of almost a hundred young Crook, The Oaks and St Andrew’s primary people, wowed audiences for many days schools alongside 190 of our own students. Members of RTS will soon begin rehearsing We have now been over-subscribed for at the end of the Autumn Term. for the upcoming Festival of 3 Shows, which three years in a row; as a result of this we The show told the story of legendary will be performed by members of Roots have increased our number of classrooms The Academy, as it should be, is really documentarian Attenboro as he made and Little Roots, the younger cohort of the and employed additional teachers to becoming the venue in which our young his way to the mystical land of Oodywatt group. There will also be a Dance Show in accommodate more students. In September people can all find and develop their in search of the Totem of Mentooi. Whilst the Summer. we will admit 161 new Year 7s; this talents, using them to help to build a battling against his arch rival, Bear Frills, means that we have received 27% more better future for their communities. I am, applications than our maximum capacity. and you should be, proud of their many Atten is cursed by the evil Papa Mentooi, In February, 45 members of the group will Offers for places will be made on March 2nd. successes and take time to consider but with the help of a group of cursed travel to the Lake District for a team building what a difference they will have made by explorers, they battle against cults, crazies and learning experience where they will the end of the decade. and evil creeps to escape the curse! Lacking create new choreography and develop their any real sense, the show included dances performance techniques. There will also be PRIZE EVENING Have a great term. choreographed by our students, as well as a return trip to France at Easter to reward ur annual Prize Evening will over-the-top mimes and unplanned and selected members who have excelled in Otake place on Wednesday Nick Grieveson, Head Teacher improvised action scenes. performance and commitment. 12th February at 7.00pm.

www.kingjames1academy.com Student teachers are Primary Outreach event brings HISTORY REWARDS TRIP DYNAMIC DUO! HISTORY TO LIFE ing James I Academy recently brought World War II Khistory to life in an intergenerational event involving senior citizens from our local community, primary school pupils from Crook Primary and our students in Years 8-13.

The event was organised as part of the was born in South Shields but moved to students in Year 7, who were all Academy’s Outreach Programme. Over 50 London during the war to join the RAF - at 30chosen for their outstanding primary school pupils visited the Academy just 18 years old her job was to release effort and behaviour in lessons, have to take part in a variety of themed activities barrage balloons. Primary pupils were keen recently enjoyed a History rewards throughout the morning. Students learned to hear first hand what it was really like to trip to Auckland Castle. the Jitterbug, made VE Day bunting, baked live through such difficult times. biscuits according to an authentic wartime Students learned about the important recipe and took part in an activity which Director of Learning for History, Miss role of the Prince Bishops of Durham put them in the position of an evacuee Whitaker said, “This event gave young wo of our History and how Auckland Castle was one of deciding which of their possessions they people the opportunity to really appreciate their primary homes, where they came teachers have been T should pack for their trip. the tragedies of war and the resilience of to hunt and entertain. Students were making quite an impression on the people who lived through it. Winifred’s surprised to learn that the bishops had students in Key Stage 3 with a range In the afternoon, the Main Hall was story was truly inspiring and all pupils were the power to raise an army, create their of exciting role-play lessons. prepared for a VE Day street party, engrossed in her honest account of life at own laws, and even mint their own complete with traditional afternoon tea, that time. I am so grateful to the ladies for coins; they truly helped to shape the Students in Years 7-9 have been learning and students were joined by three local attending; they made the event very special country we live in today. about Witchcraft, Witch Trials, Vikings and residents, Winifred Lydon, Ann Lee and and I am sure pupils will always remember it.” Planning for the future at our the Battle of Stamford Bridge with Mrs Colleen Marley, who were escorted by their Students were given a tour of the care workers, Elaine Gardner and Sandra Paylor and Mr Ball, pictured above with Year Towards the end of the day, GCSE students castle and studied historic plans to Baynham. As guests of honour, the ladies at King James were treated to a quiet 7 student, Isabel Richardson and Preston see how it has developed over time. were treated to a lively performance of the interview session with Winifred and her Bennett in Year 8. Linked to their current learning about CAREERS FAIR Jitterbug which primary pupils had learned friends. Year 10 History student, Iben the Norman invasion, the group looked earlier in the day. Kirsopp said, “I felt privileged to be able into the ways in which the castle was Although these topics are all part of the tudents in all year groups have recently attended our annual Careers Fair, which to hear Mrs Lydon’s amazing story. I was built for defence; they also toured Sfeatured a wide variety of local businesses, national organisations, colleges and History curriculum, the way that teachers Students also heard the fascinating story of so impressed and inspired by her strength, the grounds to consider the location universities. choose to deliver them in the classroom 96 year old Mrs Lydon, below centre, who courage and determination.” and how it successfully kept out the is not specified, and our staff are always enemy. The group also learned about The annual event helps students begin to think about what career they might like encouraged to be both creative and the history of St Peter’s Chapel, which to pursue in the future and ensures that they have the right information to make innovative. remains the private chapel of the appropriate subject choices that will enable them to reach their goal. It is often an Bishop of Durham and is regularly used inspiring experience too, and one that promotes focus and drive in our young people. With the help of hand made costumes and for services, and took part in activities props to help set the scene, students were to estimate the age of the stained glass Students were able to speak to representatives from a diverse range of industries and able to take part in a variety of learning windows using their fingers. benefit from practical advice from employers in terms of how to make themselves experiences involving re-enactments of stand out from other applicants in an increasingly competitive job market. They As part of the tour, students heard important events in history such as the learned about the value of embracing all opportunities to gain work experience or about the gradual modernisation of volunteering in the community. In support of this, the National Citizen Service was on Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066. This battle the castle and chapel, including the hand to explain the exciting opportunities on offer to young people. saw the invading Norwegians defeated by most recent developments that have an army led by King Harold Goodwinson, allowed the castle to be successfully We would like to thank the following organisations for their support: Durham however he was then defeated by the opened to tourists and for use as a University, Pre Military College, National Citizen Service, Northern School of Art, PPG, Normans at the better-known Battle of luxury events venue. GSK, Hydram Engineering, Newcastle University, UTC, BL Hairdressing, BA College, Hastings just three weeks later. Army, Darlington College, , ITEC, Livin, Royal Navy, Northumbria They visited the Grand Hall where they University, Sunderland University, Jet 2 Holidays, , Huddersfield Students also learned about the persecution heard about the extravagant meals University, Leeds Beckett University, ICAEW, Teesside University, Morrisons, National and slaughter of thousands of people and dining parties that were held Careers Service, RAF, Ask Project, Baltic Training, NHS, SW Durham Training, PWC and there. Students were fascinated to branded as witches in the seventeenth Cummins Engines. hear about the much-prized pineapple century. There were over 90,000 gruesome centrepieces, which were so The Careers Fair is just a small part of our extensive Careers Advice programme. Mrs witch trials and 80% of the victims were rare that they were worth the Goddard, our Careers Adviser is on hand throughout the year to offer practical advice women, who were considered to be the equivalent of £5,000. They also to students in all year groups and assistance in creating a CV and developing interview weaker sex and therefore more susceptible learned how Bishop Auckland skills. Students in Years 10 and 11 also benefit from one-to-one interviews to develop to what King James I described as ‘demonic was the first place to try and an individual career plan. temptation’. grow their own pineapples!

www.kingjames1academy.com GLASTONBURY CREW 2020 MEDIA Look forward to an amazing experience

his year sees the return of our Glastonbury Experience, which gives TYear 13 students the opportunity to become part of the 30,000-strong IN MALTA recycling crew at the iconic music festival. Considering that tickets sold out in under an hour in October 2019, these positions are highly prized. ast term, Sixth Form AIM HIGHER IN YORK Thanks to the conduct of students in previous years, King James has an excellent LMedia Studies students reputation for hard work and reliablity; this has allowed us to secure 14 places for Glastonbury travelled to Malta to gather group of 25 Year 12 students have 2020. Students will work for six hours each morning recycling waste from the spectator Arecently travelled to York where they areas at the festival, and in exchange they will have access to all shows. This year, the festival footage for a series of travel visited York St John’s University as part of our is celebrating its 50th anniversary and the festivities are set to be extra special. Sir Paul Aim Higher programme. McCartney and Diana Ross are both confirmed and there are strong rumours that Aerosmith, documentaries as part of their Taylor Swift, the Spice Girls, Green Day and Liam Gallagher will also join the line-up. Students enjoyed a tour of the campus and coursework. A large number of students applied for the places and it was extremely difficult for our Sixth a talk with the Recruitment Officer at the Form Team to make the final decision, however places were allocated to those with excellent Students are completing a diverse range of University who advised them about the wide range of subjects on offer and the options for attendance, dedication to their studies and committment to representing King James in a coursework units, which have been specially accommodation should they choose to apply positive light. Congratulations to the 2020 crew. selected to give them a broad overview of the to study in York. The group also heard a little media industry. They have already produced about student finance and what to expect as a professional magazine to develop skills in a resident of the UK’s most historic cities. journalism and graphic design, and this most TUESDAY ENRICHMENT recent unit offered the opportunity to produce Following the campus visit the group spent a factual film product and build skills in script some time exploring the city which attracts for Year 12s writing, presenting, filming and editing. thousands of visitors each year. All were impressed with the historic architecture his year we have launched a new Sixth Form Malta is an excellent international destination and the many options for shopping and TEnrichment Programme for Year 12 students designed to help them boost subject knowledge or for media studies; it has a rich history of film leisure that York has to offer. Travelling by train also allowed students to experience enhance their employability skills. making with a host of host of blockbuster for themselves how quickly and easily York movies filmed there including Gladiator, Troy, can be reached from Bishop Auckland; these Each Tuesday afternoon, students take part in a World War Z, Captain Phillips and the 1980 things are all important when considering variety of opportunities in school, from helping production of Popeye starring Robin Williams. where to study. out as subject mentors in departments such as Students visited the Popeye film set which English and Sport, to developing new skills in remains on the island as a tourist attraction; Our Aim Higher programme really helps Media, Music or Business. Students can also opt there they were able to explore the buildings students to think about their future and to in to additional lessons in a variety of academic and study the original props which all form part begin making plans about where they might subjects including Maths and History to make of the quirky ‘Sweet Haven Village’. like to study. Students can look forward to sure they are able to reach their full potential as more Aim Higher visits this year, with trips to exams approach. The group also visited the silent city of Mdina, Northumbria and Leeds in the near future. which appears frequently in the hugely popular TV show Game of Thrones. This fortified city HELPING THE ANGEL TRUST Wish you were here! with its fantastic Baroque architecture and ARMY NURSING narrow winding streets was one of the most n December, a group of Sixth Form students volunteered to help popular excursions. In the capital city of Success for Caitlin Ithe Angel Trust wrap Christmas presents which were donated to Valletta, students visited Barrakka Gardens and children in hospital and to homeless teenagers. Our students will ear 13 student, filmed the daily firing of the canons across the be returning in the coming week to help with other Angel Trust projects. YCaitlin Stanley has UNIVERSITY OFFERS Grand Harbour; they also strolled around the been accepted onto the atmospheric streets which are adorned with prestigious Army Nursing Flooding in for our Year 13s strings of lights at night. Training Programme. NEW COMMON ROOM OPEN of our students have applied to UCAS and 24 of these Other activities included a cruise to Comino’s Caitlin had to pass a ur brand new Sixth Form Common Room is officially open and 28have already received multiple offers. Blue Lagoon, a visit to Malta 5D and The Mdina series of rigourous fitness, Othe new facilities are proving to be hugely popular among our Museum of Crime and Punishment, an evening dexterity, reactive, cognitive and academic students. Offers came from a wide range of universities including Leeds University and Leeds cruise around the three harbours and a trip to tests, followed by team tasks and two Beckett, Stirling, Hull, Newcastle, Durham, Northumbria, Huddersfield, Queen Margaret’s Mediterraneo Marine Park. The group also left a intensive interviews with a board of Sergeant The building houses a new classroom with amazing views over our fields, Nurses to gain a place on the programme. In offices for the Sixth Form Team and a large and airy open plan social space in Edinburgh, Kent, Manchester, Nottingham Trent and York St John. MJ Camba, Abbi lasting memory of their trip by way of a padlock September she will begin three months of with areas for both relaxation between lessons and independent study. Stephenson and Beth Robinson have all had contextual reduced offers from Leeds, attached to the famous Tigne Bridge in Sliema; basic training at Pirbright and will then study There are also facilities for students to make hot drinks and snacks. Newcastle and Durham respectively. A number of others have received unconditional this bridge displays thousands of padlocks left a Degree in Nursing at Birmingham University offers, including Molly Brannan, pictured above, who is looking forward to studying a by visitors to symbolise everlasting friendship. from January 2021; this is fully funded by the The original Common Room is now home to our Degree in Fashion Marketing at her first choice university, Leeds Beckett. Congratulations Students due to take part in the next trip in Army. We would like to congratulate Caitlin PE Department, providing much-needed and good luck to them all. September 2020 will be sure to attach their on her success and wish her the very best of additional Sports Studies classrooms own to carry on the tradition. luck in her career. for our expanding courses.

www.kingjames1academy.com THE KING’S FEAST Annual Year 7 Lessons from Officially open for business CHURCH VISITS RELIGIOUS STUDIES AUSCHWITZ

reated as an alternative food outlet for both students and staff, The King’s Feast is ast term, Year wo Year 12 Cnow officially open outside in our Quad. L7 students Promotes Discovery & Debate TReligious took part in our Studies students, The trendy new hub, which was designed and built to match our new detached annual church Amelia Coser and Rebecca Howarth, cedar-clad buildings, serves tasty hot meat sandwiches at lunch time three days each visits experience have travelled to week. The most popular offerings include sliced beef and barbeque pulled pork and to compare the sandwiches sell out fast every time the hub is open! The King’s Feast is run by Food Poland as part of diversity within the the Lessons from Science & Nutrition Teachers and their Sixth Form students, who benefit greatly from the Christian faith. Auschwitz project. opportunity to develop their practical skills in food hygiene, preparation and customer service in a real-life catering environment. Quality control and managing quantities to Students visited Students visited the town of Oswiecim, ensure costs are covered, are an important part of the learning process too. three places of worship in Bishop Auckland. which was 70% Jewish inhabited before They heard from Pastor Masai at the Wear the Second World War. They then went The King’s Feast has also recently opened to the public as part of our Community Centre Valley Christian Centre, Reverand Matt at St on to Auschwitz I Camp where they saw provision, with hot food served on Wednesday and Thursday evenings and on Sundays. Anne’s CofE Church and Father Dennis Tindall hair, clothing, glasses, shoes and suitcases We hope to extend the provision as the year progresses and offer an extended menu as at St Wilfred’s Catholic Church. At each venue abandoned by the victims, and walked through one of the remaining gas chambers. the weather improves and demand increases for al fresco dining. becomes they learned about the history of the church and took part in a Q&A session with the At the Auschwitz-Birkenau Camp, students leader; this allowed them to consider the saw the living conditions of the prisoners CHROMEBOOK Competition Winner importance and impact of faith in today’s and held a candle lit ceremony with a Rabbi society and the message that the Church is to remember all those that had lost their ongratulations to Isla Defty, winner of our Open Evening attempting to communicate. lives. It was heartbreaking to learn that If Chromebook Competition. She is pictured here with her Dad and C we had a minute silence for each person younger sister Alicia collecting her prize from Mr Grieveson. Learning about different that lost their life, we would have to remain silent for two years. faiths helps to promote understanding and harmony Restaurant quality in our diverse society. Lessons to promote EXAM FOOD CRITICAL THINKING ear 11 GCSE Catering students have Investigating Yexcelled themselves in the practical ur Religious Studies curriculum is element of their studies and produced Oincredibly diverse and designed to some outstanding exam dishes. FOOD IN YORK allow students to develop their critical thinking skills and build confidence in ast month, a group of Year 10 GCSE Getting hands-on with debating a wide variety of topics. Students designed their own menu Hospitality & Catering students, and prepared a wide variety of dishes L Last term, Year 10 students took part in three pictured below, enjoyed a trip to York using only the finest ingredients. They thought-provoking sessions. The first was presented a two-course meal with a focus to research the variety of catering FORENSIC SCIENCE a debate regarding pro-life and pro-choice on both taste and visual impact, such as establishments in the city. with visiting speaker, Eileen Brydon from this outstanding example from Annalise the Society of Protection of Unborn Children. Sumpton. Well done everyone. Students looked at everything from luxury ear 9 Religious Studies students have recently visited Students were asked to consider when life Michelin star restaurants to budget street Ythe Centre for Life in Newcastle to take part in an begins, what constitutes life and if and when food outlets, and compared the customer abortion is acceptable. facilities, prices and diversity of dishes on exciting Forensic Science workshop. each menu. The trip gave students the As a follow-up to this, students also Our Religious Studies curriculum includes visited the Planetarium, where thanks to its opportunity to learn about what makes a visited the Centre for Life to participate in a a wide variety of topics including a module sophisticated digital technology, students food outlets successful such as location, premature babies workshop, which further on Crime and Punishment, and this were able to experience an immersive debated when life begins compared to reputation and effective advertising. workshop gave students the opportunity to journey through space and the solar system. different religious beliefs. learn about the processes and techniques They were fascinated by the real-time Live involved in gathering evidence and Skies show, which allowed them to see In another session on Animal Rights with identifying a murderer. As part of the what’s happening in space right now. John Ellis, students discussed the use of animals for food, transport, entertainment scenario-based workshop students used the and animal testing. They also considered latest technology and techniques to analyse In addition to this, students were able to the products they use every day and were fingerprints, DNA, handwriting, clothing and enjoy the wide range of interactive exhibits shocked to discover that some were still hair fibres to determine a perpetrator. and learning activities on offer, including tested on animals. Many had enjoyed animal using green screen technology to create shows in the past and reconsidered their Whilst at the Centre for Life, the group also their own weather report! views on this as a result.

www.kingjames1academy.com CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION in our Sixth Form Common Room n our last day of school before the holiday, OSixth Form students, their Tutors, Teachers and the Sixth Form team celebrated the end of a hugely successful first term with a Christmas party in our new Common Room.

Students have worked extremely hard since A FESTIVE FEAST September; Year 12s have made an excellent t’s no easy task to cook Christmas lunch start on their chosen courses and many of our Ifor 300, but once again our fantastic Year 13s have plenty to celebrate as offers flood Catering Team succeeded in presenting us in for University places across the UK. with a fantastic festive feast.

The celebration included a fun quiz, organised and hosted by Mr Middleton, with questions Served by our dedicated cooks, who always designed to test general knowledge, and a buffet lunch provided by Mrs Dixon and Mrs get us in the Christmas spirit by dressing Goddard. Students formed teams in a friendly competition against each other and the staff in festive outfits, students and staff were before exchanging gifts and heading off for a well deserved break. We hope they had a treated to a turkey dinner with all the fantastic Christmas and are looking forward to a productive and successful new year. trimmings. Thank you so much ladies! Christmas at BEAMISH urture Group students had a brilliant trip to NBeamish Museum last term as a reward for their hard work since September.

Students went down the mine, had a lesson from the Headmaster in the school and went to the ‘Frosty Fair’ for ice skating and hot chocolate. They also enjoyed meeting the reindeers and walking the forest path to see the ‘Elf Village’.

ver four hundred visitors joined us for our Festive Fair YEAR 8 CAROL SINGERS DRESSING FESTIVE OFestivelast term to take part in some fun activities and seek Fun! n the last day of term our students and out a unique Christmas gift or two. bring festive cheer to local care homes Ostaff wore their best festive outfits. ix of our Year 8 students have been Everyone donated £1.00 to leave their uniform With over 40 craft and speciality goods new fundraising initiative and Community spreading some Christmas cheer by singing S at home, with all money raised going towards stalls on offer, our local community had Involvement programme. Firstly, the event carols to elderly residents in two of our local plenty to choose from. Alongside the marked the end of the month-long 1,000 our new £10,000 Charity Challenge. care homes and to local shoppers. ever-popular Tombola and Lucky Dip stalls, Can Challenge, which saw students and Christmas shoppers were able to buy hand staff join forces to collect 1,000 items of made jewellery, soaps, floral displays, food to donate to our local food bank. We The choir members rehearsed each lunch time greeting cards, Christmas decorations and are please to announce that on the day, we with Music Teacher, Mr Heddle, to perfect a speciality cupcakes from some of our local had collected an amazing 1,048 items for selection of traditional hymns and popular businesses and entrepreneurs. Woodhouse Close Food Bank, which directly festive tunes, which they performed to residents serves our local families. The donation was at Eden House and Sandringham care homes. The group performed hymns including ‘We Three A number of departments at King James collected by Food Bank volunteer, Monica, Kings’, ‘Silent Night’ and ‘O Come All Ye faithful’, and pop songs such as Mariah Carey’s ‘All I want also took up the offer of a stall to sell pictured above. for Christmas is you’; this made sure that there was something for everyone to enjoy. Residents products from paintings and bottle lights enjoyed singing along with our students and even requested an encore! to toys and mini hampers. Money raised As a result of the fair, we were also able from these in-house initiatives help to to donate £100 to the Angel Trust, which The choir also performed for Christmas shoppers at Asda and Morrisons, where staff and support a variety of causes at King James provides financial support and services to customers joined in with their cheerful voices. It was a great experience for our students; including subsidised activities for students local people in need. A further £450 will be in low-income households. used to launch our brand new Fundraising not only did they have real audiences to perform to, but they also enjoyed being able to scheme; this aims to raise £10,000 for a give something back to the community. The event was organised by Assistant variety of worthy causes in the next 12 Head Teacher, Mrs Aitkin as part of our months. Season’s Greetings from SANTA PAWS! n the last day of term, Arthur the Cockapoo came to deliver sweet treats Oto Media students as a reward for all their hard work. He loved all the fuss and cuddles from our animal-loving students and staff. www.kingjames1academy.com 5MATHEMATICS62 1367 2 Department News PE BULLETIN MAGIC AT DURHAM UNI 8 CLIMBING group of GCSE PE students have group of students in Years 8 and 9 have attended Rof 59 in Newton Aycliffe recently visited the School of Education A A to complete part of their practical at the University of Durham to take part in assessment in Rock Climbing. a Mathematical Magic Event along with students from a number of other schools in Students worked exceptionally well . to participate in a range of activities including belaying, traversing and Students were shown a number of magic tricks, bouldering; some even succeeded in including card tricks and ‘mind reading’ tricks, completing the extremely challenging New Football and were then encouraged to use their mathematical and problem solving skills to overhang, which ensured top practical work out the secrets of each one. Use of the Binary number system, cubed numbers grades. Notable students were Dylan and sequences were all involved, and showed our students that maths can also be used Nicholson and Bentley Lewis who both in fun ways. Since returning to school, students involved have impressed their peers performed really well to complete with their magic skills and have shared the ‘maths is fun’ message. Academy several extremely difficult climbs. TEESSIDE MATHS LECTURE Partnership! ast term, a group of Year 10 students NETBALL his academic year sees the launch of an Lattended the annual Christmas Maths exciting new partnership between King James lecture at Teesside University. he Netball season is now well T Tunderway and King James has I Academy and Shildon AFC. The partnership will made a good start with our Year 9 team FOOTBALL This year’s speakers included Colin Wright, allow footballers of all standards to progress their who showed students how to link juggling celebrating wins against Staindrop he football season has got off to a to complex mathematics, and Rob Eastaway, Academy and . skills whilst studying an academic qualification. Tgreat start and matches have taken who discussed the importance of intelligent place across all year groups. approximations. Students made predictions Year 7s are currently attending training As a member of the Football Academy, one which we hope to repeat to provide from patterns and were able to complete some complex mathematical calculations and all are improving in both skills and students can choose to study a Cambridge more opportunities for students to enrol. Year 7s have celebrated two wins using ‘back of the envelope’ thinking strategies. They enjoyed the lectures tactics ready for their matches this Technical in Sport, or A’ Level and BTEC against Ferryhill and Teesdale and other tremendously and many of the participants are now strongly considering continuing month. We are always on the look out courses in a variety of other subjects. Last month, Dylan Howe and Daniel year groups have put in some good with Maths at A’ Level. for new members so if you are interested Football Academy members will participate Mistrzak, pictured below, attended the performances. A special mention goes to in joining the Netball team, just turn up in three training sessions each week and Shildon AFC match against North Shields Romario Fraser who has been selected for one of our practise sessions, which take part in one competitive match. Talented as special guests, and following this they for the Bishop Auckland District Team. are held each Tuesday after school. players will also have the opportunity to signed a contract for the King James Football King James training takes place each SENIOR MATHS CHALLENGE train and play for Shildon AFC First and Academy for the next academic year; Daniel Monday night after school from 3.30pm Reserve Teams. Moore, the Shildon player and manager was – 4.30pm and all are welcome. team of four of our A’ Level Maths present to witness the signing. Dylan has Astudents, have recently competed in King James has already developed a close already attended two training sessions. the regional finals of the Senior Maths Team RUNNING working partnership with Shildon AFC as Challenge in Durham. ast term, our athletes participated students have trained on their pitch and Lin the South West Durham Cross been able to attend home fixtures, however Rebecca Howarth and Riley Johnson in Year Country Championships. they are keen to develop the relationship 12, and Year 13 students, Euan Elliott and Leon further and provide more opportunities for n May, 41 students in Years 7 and 8 will travel to Amsterdam for a Davies, all pictured right, managed a top ten talented young footballers. I King James entered both Junior and six-day Football themed trip. finish with the team particularly enjoying the Intermediate teams for the event and cross-number round. results were good, but there were some Last term, we held out first Open Evening at This hugely popular annual trip fantastic individual results from Brooks Shildon AFC and those interested in joining includes opportunities to train Also last term, students in Years 12 and 13 competed in the UKMT Senior Challenge. Sowerby, Jake Dobinson, Kian Dixon, the Football Academy had the opportunity with Ajax Academy coaches and play Year 13s, Abbi Stephenson and Alex Philpott both received Best in Year, Best in School, to attend a presentation, take a tour around Jack Spencer and Tilly Robinson, who Dylan and Daniel with Dutch youngsters, alongside chances and Bronze certificates, and Year 12 student, Courtney Smith also received Best in Year all qualified for the District Cross Country the ground and changing facilities, and take with Shildon AFC to explore the sights and experience local and a Bronze certificate. Finally, Euan Elliott and Rebecca Howarth received Bronze Championship. Well done to them all. part in a sample training session on the Manager, Daniel cuisine and culture. certificates. Well done to everyone. pitch. It was a very successful evening and Moore

www.kingjames1academy.com SPORTING MACMILLAN LOVING LITERACY KING JAMES FUNDRAISERS with pro-author Chris Priestley BOOK AWARDS HEROES ear 5 pupils from YCrook Primary KJ have been taking part in the King James COMPETING AT Book Awards, which is part of our Primary School Education 82mph! Challenge Zone.

ear 8 student, Justin Breward has been driving since tudents and staff at King James have Ten pupils joined us for the session Yhe was just six years old. Sraised £324.13 for Macmillan Cancer in our Library where they began by Support at the annual World’s Biggest reading from a selection of five books. Coffee Morning event. Justin, who holds an MSA Competition Licence, amassed a They then wrote reviews about their favourite and competed in a fun quiz host of trophies from his many podium finishes at an early Cakes and biscuits were baked and faked by and spelling bee based on the book age and finished second in the Northern Kart Federation. many enthusiastic contributors at the school they had read. In a final activity they He then went on to race in Super One British Championships where again, he celebrated and sold both in the Main Dining Hall for completed a piece of drama based on a number of podium places. students in Years 7-11, and in the Common a scene taken from one of the books. Room for Sixth Form students who also All students worked extremely hard Justin has now moved on to racing a DRS 100 which can hit a top speed of 82mph and included savoury goods to boost donations. hildrens’ author, Chris Priestley has recently visited King James to work with students throughout the challenge and proved is racing in the 12-16 year old category. His new kart presented him with a challenging Cin Years 7 and 8, as well as pupils from Victoria Lane and St Andrews Primary Schools. to be enthusiastic and talented readers. learning curve but Justin’s skills have improved in every race and in his last race of the Student Support Workers who organised the For their efforts, each student received a summer he finished fourth out of 32 drivers. In 2020, Justin is set to compete in all event said, “Sadly, cancer has affected many Chris, who is best known for the spooky his career. Student Librarians also enjoyed prize of a book bag and badges with our rounds over a period of eight months and aims to finish in the top ten in the country. of our families at King James so Macmillan is series of children’s stories, Tales of Terror, a more intimate Q&A session at lunch time. ‘I Love Reading’ logo. a charity that is close to our hearts. Many of us Each race is live on YouTube. We wish he the best of luck. spoke about his life and how he found Finally, Chris delivered a workshop with a know first hand that Macmillan provides an inspiration for his work from everyday things mix of 20 students, where he helped them invaluable service to families in tragic times so and the places that he grew up. Chris is also to develop their own ideas and create a we are always pleased to show our support.” YEAR 10 an illustrator so he talked about the impact of Christmas story around the horror genre. The Academy organises this event each illustrations in books and how they can really SAFETY CAROUSEL ELITE THAI year as part of an extensive fundraising engage the reader and enhance a story. Students were chosen to take part in the calendar. Some fundraising efforts help session as a reward for their progress in BOXING FAMILY charitable organisations in the Bishop Students heard excerts from his latest book, English as well as their good behaviour in ear10 students have recently Auckland area, whilst others such as this Curse of the Werewolf Boy, and had the chance all lessons. This is just one of the ways we Ytaken part in our annual Safety Carousel event, which was attended by iblings Sonny, Brooks and Konniegrace support worthy national causes. Planning is to ask him questions about his writing and recognise achievement at King James. already underway for a full programme of representatives from Durham County Sowerby have been sparring together and S fundraising activities which will take place Council and the Police Force. training with pads and bags since they were throughout 2020. as young as two years old with their Dad. Throughout the day-long event, which Launching our new is organised by our Student Support At ages five, six and seven, the trio joined the local gym in Bishop Auckland where they Team, students attended various learned different techniques, how to spar with other children and how to have respect Book Drive collects sessions focusing on topics such as for one another and those they fight. They had their first competition fight when the £10,000 CHARITY CHALLENGE! online security, cyber-bullying, negative youngest of the siblings, Konniegrace was just 7 years old, and all became European 580 NEW BOOKS relationships, anti-social behaviour, drug undraising for worthy causes is an important part of life at £10,000 Champions, winning in Thaiboxing and K1, and collecting three gold medals each and The King James and alcohol abuse, and community King James and we organise a host of events and activities £9,000 Charity Challenge ast term we held a Book We have set ourselves a target to raise £10,000 for good causes in cohesion and diversity. three title belts. F £8,000 the calendar year. Each year group has a designated charity and they will compete against each other to see which group can raise Drive to increase the throughout the year. This month, we are launching our most £7,000 the most. But will the combined total reach £10,000? L Term Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Total £6,000 Half stock in our Library and this Term 1 ambitious project yet - The £10,000 Challenge! Half The event is designed to raise awareness £5,000 Term 2 Half Since then, they have moved on to other gyms and learned the art of Thaiboxing and Term 3 £4,000 resulted in 580 new books Half about many of the issues which affect Term 4 Half £3,000 Term 5 K1 from different coaches, all with different techniques and styles of fighting; these Half for our young readers. Term 6 young people in today’s society, and arm £2,000 Our aim is to raise a total of £10,000 for a fulfilling our Total £ £1,000 varied skills have made them into the elite fighters they are today. The family has What have we done to raise the money? them with the knowledge they need variety of charities, both local and national, overall Academy travelled across the country to take part in competitions, sometimes fighting four We received books from to protect themselves in potentially times in one day, and they have now amassed over 100 fights between them since staff and students as part of the between January 2020 and January 2021. goal. Fundraising hazardous situations. They starting their fighting career. In one year alone, the trio claimed 25 titles and the initiative, which encouraged Each half term, year groups from 7-11 will is an excellent way to promote also find out how to access number one spot in the UK. everyone to donate their pre- be allocated a different charity and their a sense of achievement in the many support services loved reading material for the fundraising efforts will be donated at the our young people and show that are available should Now fighting out of Yodphet Muay Thai Gym with their Thai Coach who has fought over benefit of others. Our Library end of the time period. Our new totaliser them that by working together, they need help. is now extremely well stocked 300 fights himself, these young champions have fought and won an incredible 9 Open board will keep track of their year group they can make a real difference in our with a variety of genres to suit all World Championships, 20 British Championships, 8 European Championships and 4 efforts and their contribution towards community and the wider world. tastes and ages but further donations Scottish Championships including WKA British and European, WKU British and World, are always welcome. Please send any WKO British and World, WTKA British, European and World, Sandee British and European, books to Daniel Wheatley in our Library. Fundraising shows our young people that they can make Supershow British, European and World, Scottish Anglo, UKMF and TANKO. We wish them all This initiative supports our committment the best of luck for 2020 and look forward to tracking their success throughout the year. towards recycling. a real difference in our community and the wider world. www.kingjames1academy.com ‘ LATEST Diary Dates Jan 16 Year 11 Parents’ Evening Jan 30 Sixth Form Meet & Greet for NEWS external applicants Feb 3-4 Young Americans visit Feb 12 Prize Evening 7.00pm BISHOP JUNIORS FC NEW BUILDING Feb 14 INSET Day (Academy closed now at King James for Year 10 Nurture for staff training) his year, we extended our Nurture Feb 14 Half Term holiday (1 week) provision to include Year 10 students Feb 24 Academy re-opens T in a brand new detached building. Feb 27 Year 9 Parents’ + Options Evening The new light and airy classroom is March 4 Year 8 Parents’ Evening located next to our existing Nurture Centre March 26 Year 12 & 13 Parents’ Evening at the rear of the Rawe Building. With its April 3 Academy closes for Easter ishop Juniors FC has now taken up own computer facilities and peaceful, holiday (2 weeks) Bresidence at King James in one of our uniterrupted views over our playing April 20 Academy re-opens detached buildings near our 4G pitch. fields, it is the perfect environment for the small-group learning offered by our The club has created ‘The Hub’ as a club Nurture initiative. house for evening and weekend sessions HOLIDAY REVISION Nurture students benefit from a more e will be offering an extensive but the facilities are still used by our PE tailored learning programme to help them programme of exam revision and Department as a classroom during the W day. The new layout provides an excellent identify strengths which they can build coursework sessions during our February space for meetings and match events. We upon for their future. Small group learning Half Term and Easter holidays. Sessions will wish Bishop Juniors the best of luck in also helps to ensure they are more able be posted on our website and students will their new home. to reach their full potential in exams. receive a personal timetable closer to the time.

Application £30,000 more funding for HELP USIf you would likeSHAPE to become a Parent Governor at King James, THE this form and return to:

Mrs Elizabeth Varley, Chair of Governors, King James South Church Road, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 7JZ then please complete Name: ...... I Academy, Telephone number: ......

Email: ......

FUTUREAddress: ...... ROCK & POP INSTITUTE ...... I would like to speak to someone about becoming Academy...... re you interested in...... Signed: ...... Date: ...... a Parent Governor at King James I ing James has been granted a further £30,000 in funding from

Your interests becomingIn addition to attending a Full GovernorsParent meetings, I would be particulary interested in sitting on the following Committees and Focus Groups. P ...... the Arts Council to enable or Music Department to continue A all that apply. K Committees: Governor atQuality of EducationKing James? Promoting Positive Values and Personal Development lease tick delivering our hugely successful Rock & Pop Institute.

Focus Groups: Finance and Property Budget Working Group A Voice for King James We are always lookingSixth Form Development Being a Parent Governor at King James I Academy Now in its third year, the facility provides an opportunity for young www.kingjames1academy.com 01388 603 388 for enthusiastic and musicians from King James and the surrounding schools to get Your guide to the role and responsibilities of a Parent Governo committed parents and the difference you can make to our children’s educa together on a weekly basis to write and perform music. Members

r to join our team of tion. also record at professional studios, create music videos and Governors and help us to shape have the chance to visit and perform at large venues such the future of King James. If you are as The Sage in Gateshead. The funding will be used for interested, please pick up a leaflet and staffing costs and to buy new equipment and instruments. application form at our Main Reception or call 01388 603388 for a copy by post.

We also have an active Parents’ Forum group that meets each term to discuss ideas to improve the learning experience FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL we offer and raise the profile of King @kj1sixth @kj1life @kj1media @kj1a_artphotodepartment James in our community. If you would like to join this group, please contact @KJIAcademy @SixthFormKJI Main Reception to find out the date of @KingJamesIAcademy @KJ1A6thForm @kingjames1community the next meeting.

www.kingjames1academy.com

This magazine is available in large print on request. Vision is written, designed and produced by King James I Academy, South Church Road, Bishop Auckland, County Durham DL14 7JZ.