During February half term, 40 Year 12 and Year 13 students and 4 members of staff hit the slopes of Andorra for an exciting skiing adventure. Andorra is a tiny principality between France and Spain and ski holidays there have been enticing skiers for decades.

In January, we invited DEN (Deaf Empowering Network) to host a 6 week course of workshops of BSL (British Sign Language) for students.

The course was developed for learners who wish to a acquire basic understanding of BSL for the purpose of holding a simple conversation with deaf people, including – family, friends, and colleagues.

This year, our annual Apprenticeship Week celebrations highlighted some of our successful alumni. Throughout the week, both teaching staff and the Careers, Progression and Aspirations Team welcomed ten organisations, with DSFC alumni leading the majority of sessions. 

Recently, our Year 12 students had the opportunity to visit Alexander Batteries, a local company known for its cutting-edge technology and commitment to innovation in the field of energy storage. The primary objective of the trip was to expose students to potential apprenticeship opportunities and to provide a glimpse into the exciting world of technology and engineering.

As part of our ‘North East Inspiring People’ programme, Durham Sixth Form Centre was delighted to welcome Bridget Phillipson, Shadow Secretary of State for Education and Labour MP for Houghton and Sunderland South. Bridget was born and raised in Washington, attending local schools and joining the Labour Party aged 15.

Durham Sixth Form Centre was proud to honour its momentous milestone of 110 years of providing quality education with a day of celebrations on 14^th July 2023. Since its opening in 1913 the school has remained dedicated to fostering academic excellence, innovation and a commitment to student success.

Durham Sixth Form Centre proudly announced the formal opening of the brand new Dead Dog Gallery with an official launch and drinks reception. Special invited guests attended from arts organisations, the world of sports, businesses and the local community. 

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust recently held its first Careers Showcase at the Seat Unique Riverside Stadium in Chester-le-Street. Students with a wide range of subject interests, from finance to child nursing attended to meet with professionals representing their departments within the Trust.

A group of students recently travelled to Northumbria University Coach Lane Campus, to attend the Health Alive event. It was great to be welcomed back into the university’s healthcare campus to explore their facilities and take part in workshops around a range of healthcare professions. 

The exciting trip to Parliament was a reward for those students who won the Durham round of the Debating Matters competition earlier in the summer.

Anna Jamieson, Wynne Wu, Lucy Bowden and Cameron Passey received a variety of prizes, one of which was a visit to the House of Lords, organised by Baroness Fox who runs the Institute of Ideas.