At the start of our autumn term, our newly appointed Enrichment Lead organised a busy Freshers’ Fair to give our Year 12 and Year 13 students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant spirit of our community. It was an unequivocal success, leaving both students and staff buzzing with enthusiasm for the academic year ahead. 

Our students played a large part in the success of the Freshers’ Fair by advertising their own clubs and societies, taking leadership roles in organising and facilitating this for fellow students. A standout feature of this year’s fair was the impressive turnout of students eager to join these clubs and societies. Newcomers felt welcomed, and returning students relished the chance to reconnect with their passions and make new friends who share their interests. 

A wide variety of external organisations attended across the week to provide opportunities, goodies, discounts and services with a variety of themes, including health, volunteering and wellbeing. We are very grateful to the numerous attendees including PureGym, HumanKind, Durham City Neighbourhood Policing Team,  Durham County Council, CDDFS Fire Cadets, Talking Therapies, Piece of Mind, Durham University’s LGBTQIA+ Society and Durham Karate do Shotokai.

A group of our Performing Arts students closed the week with their soulful rendition in the refectory. It was a moment of pride for both the student performers and our entire community, reinforcing the notion that our sixth form is a place where creative expression and artistic excellence are encouraged and celebrated.

The fair has not only kick-started the academic year on a positive note but has also reinforced the sense of community and inclusivity among students, both new and returning.  As we move forward, the positive energy generated by this event promises an academic year filled with incredible opportunities for personal growth, learning, and the continued celebration of the diverse talents that make our sixth form community so special.