Members of the Student Working Wellbeing Party worked with the charity ‘Investing in Children’ and other young people from around County Durham to organise a free-to-enter World Mental Health day event. The aim was to create an event that was both fun and informative for young people and their parents/carers organised.

Over four days during October and November, members of the Student Wellbeing Group participated in ‘Wellbeing Workshops’ with DSFC’s Artist-in-Residence, Cloe Sparrow. 

During the four sessions, the group experimented with many different mediums and techniques. The aim was to create a piece of artwork to submit to Kooth’s ‘Overcoming Negative Emotions through Art’ competition, whilst also creating art that eased our minds and expressed our feelings in creative ways.

As part of the careers support on offer here at Durham Sixth Form Centre, our progression team recently organised a comprehensive Progression Fair to give information, advice and guidance on a wide range of future careers options to our students.

December saw the return of Y12 Skills Week whereby every department selected a particular skill to focus on within lessons. We aim to ensure students leave us with both the qualifications they need to secure their career pathway as well as the invaluable life and work skills which will ensure they are successful in their chosen progression path.

Global Entrepreneurship Week offered students a comprehensive look into business and innovation through webinars, entrepreneurial skills and resources, and a social impact business competition.

Webinar speakers shared diverse perspectives on entrepreneurship. Mark Maciver talked about turning a personal skill into a successful business, Nadine Pfeifer discussed building confidence in new ventures.

Year 12 students were recently given the opportunity to attend a day organised by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to find out more about the varied and exciting careers within the surveying profession. Sarah Noble, Head of Early Engagement and Enrolment at RICS, organised the event at St James Park and invited along four professionals from the sector to speak about their roles to students.

Economics, business and finance students gained insights into the inner workings of Britain’s central bank during a presentation led by Danny Walker, a senior Bank of England Ambassador. Currently serving as private secretary to the deputy governor, Danny offered students a glimpse into the world of economic policy-making and financial regulation.

Our Year 13 A-level business students recently visited Northumbrian Water Sewage Treatment Works, gaining insights into waste management and environmental sustainability. 

The day began with a comprehensive presentation highlighting the 50-year evolution of wastewater treatment processes in the North East.

Every year Accounting and Finance students are given the opportunity to participate in the prestigious Fiona Hill Award.  This unique programme, in its 10th year, is funded by the Henry Smith Trust which was set up 400 years ago to support young people in achieving their career ambitions.

Over sixty A-level business students were given a unique opportunity to broaden their understanding of the world of business and higher education during an insightful visit to Teesside University’s prestigious International Business School. Students participated in a one day event which enabled them to look into university life and give them a chance to learn from leading academics.