After winning the Regional European Youth Parliament round in March, we were delighted to enter a debating team of eight Y12 students to represent Durham Sixth Form Centre at the annual national finals, held in Liverpool from 5-8th September.

After 50 years dormant, the school magazine “The Torch” has been reignited. This first (new) edition is a snapshot of some of the adventures of DSFC 2023-24.

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Two of our students, Jamie Moor and Yves Tinnion, excelled in this competition, winning top prizes of 9th generation iPads for their outstanding entries. As part of their win, they also created “unboxing” videos, further showcasing their digital marketing abilities.

At the beginning of October, our Year 13 Drama students had the incredible opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of theatre on a trip to London. The highlight of the visit was a live performance of their set text, Our Country’s Good, at the Lyric Hammersmith.

Year 12 students are given the opportunity to participate in the prestigious Fiona Hill Oracy Award. This unique competition is funded by The Henry Smith’s Charity, which was set up to support young people in their first career steps. 

In September, our Silver Award students embarked on an incredible expedition through the scenic landscapes of Middleton-in-Teesdale and Barnard Castle. Over the course of three days, they covered nearly 60km (37 miles), testing their endurance, teamwork, and outdoor skills.

A visit to the Kundasang War Memorial followed, paying tribute to prisoners of war, where they learnt about a key moment in history. The students also explored Desa Cattle Dairy Farm, often called the “Little New Zealand” of Sabah, surrounded by scenic mountain views.

In July, as part of the Turing Scheme funding, our students embarked on an unforgettable journey to Borneo in Malaysia, exploring its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse wildlife. From cultural villages to lush jungles, here’s a glimpse into their trip.

In July, we held our annual Year 12 Opportunities Week, where students were off timetable taking part in work experience either onsite or virtually. The aim was to provide all Y12 students with the chance to develop their employability skills through meaningful work experience or bespoke sessions. 

Business and economics students from Durham Sixth Form Centre participated in a two-day event at the Darlington Economic Campus (DEC). The visit, organised by Dylan Bowater, DSFC alumni and current ONS degree apprentice economist, offered students a comprehensive look into civil service careers and economic policy-making.