On the 13th of March 2024, 12 students took a trip to the University of Sunderland to explore the subject of Biomedical Science. This trip served as a gateway to the future, offering a glimpse into the rigours and rewards of pursuing a degree in this field.

We are thrilled to share the incredible success of our recent fundraising event in support of Comic Relief. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our Charities Committee, along with the enthusiastic participation of both students and staff, we have managed to raise an impressive £375.43.

Over 400 Year 12 parents/carers attended our recent annual Parents Careers Conference, where they were informed of all the key information that they would need to support their young people through the various progression options which lie ahead.

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.

A group of four history students were recently offered the opportunity to visit the Auschwitz concentration camps as part of an annual project organised by the Holocaust Educational Trust (UK).

Every year this project includes a visit to the site of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp which now stands as a museum to educate people on the horrors of the Holocaust.

As part of our ‘North East Inspiring People’ programme, Durham Sixth Form Centre was proud to welcome Conservative MP for Sedgefield, Paul Howell. Paul kindly took time out of his busy schedule to come and talk to our students about his career journey and to inspire a belief in themselves that anything is possible in terms of a career.