The Darrick Wood Way
Parent Bulletin
“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself”
– John Dewey –
Message from the Head Teacher
Welcome to this edition of our parent bulletin. There is a lot packed into this one and I encourage you to read all about what has been going on in school over the past fortnight. In addition, I would like to bring to your attention the following current issues and thank you for your support with these.
Uniform
Maintaining a smart appearance is very much part of the Darrick Wood ethos and thankfully most of our students approach this with maturity and pride. We are very grateful for parental support on these matters. We generally find students who get these basics right get a lot else right too, going on to achieve highly in school and beyond. There have, however, been a couple of growing trends that I want to bring to the attention of parents/carers:
- The first is students replacing their blazer or cardigan with their black coat. This has even occurred despite the recent spell of warmer weather. Students must not replace items of uniform with optional items such as coats. The coat is in addition to, not a replacement for, the compulsory items.
- Skirts are increasingly being rolled and our rule of knee length broken. This is an age-old problem in schools depending on the fashions at the time, but not something we are prepared to tolerate, especially in light of the fact that we have recently had members of the public comment on it. Trousers may be worn in place of the skirt if students are unable to conform to this simple rule.
- A small, but persistent number of boys are having to be reminded to pull their trousers higher. There is a trend for them to wear a tracksuit or shorts underneath their trousers and then wear their trousers too low. This is not allowed.
- Our rules on piercings are very clear (one small plain stud in each ear lobe only). Please be supportive of this and all our rules as per the Home School Partnership Agreement which can be viewed here and was signed on admission to the School.
Phones
Our approach to mobile phones is very clear. If brought into school, these must be “off and away all day”. This means if a mobile phone is seen or heard by a member of staff it will be confiscated.
There is increasing publicity and government support for a complete ban on mobile phones / smart phones in schools. We have always had a complete ban on their use at school for those in Years 7-11. There is increasing evidence, however, that even if smartphones are banned at school, access to them and to social media at other times is having a detrimental impact on young people’s lives. After many years as a Head Teacher I have now seen far too much evidence that access to social media does more harm than good for many young people and I am very supportive of all parents/carers who do not allow their children to access social media and of the growing trend nationally to provide children with phones that are phones only and not smart phones.
I am looking forward to a presentation from the group Smartphone Free Childhood being planned for all secondary head teachers across the Borough and then considering how to approach this important topic going forward. In the meantime, please do check on how your child is using social media and more generally what they are able to access unsupervised on their smartphone and other internet-enabled devices. I am increasingly of the opinion that young people are missing out on so much that life has to offer, are developing habits which will be hard to break and being exposed to unsafe and unsavoury behaviour by others through these devices. I would welcome parental feedback on this.
Finally, on this topic, we have become aware of an increase in theft of smart phones on local residential streets and warned our students of the need to be vigilant, ideally not having their phones out in a public place. Many of use feel our children are safer with a mobile phone when they travel. However, as well as the risks from accessing the internet on a smartphone, some phones are extremely valuable and tempting to thieves, therefore putting children at risk when they use them. Please speak to your child about this.
Use of social media by parents/carers
How parents/carers use social media themselves is very much a personal choice and not something for school to comment on, other than as follows. Recently we have seen an increasing trend of sharing names and even images and videos of students at the School, that would identify them to others. We would respectfully request that parents/carers refrain from doing this and commenting on social media posts of this nature. Instead, when there is an issue of concern about an individual, please get in touch with the School so that we can investigate and provide appropriate sanctions and support for any children involved in line with our policies. Please also avoid adding to speculation and gossip about an incident. You can get in touch with us via the usual office@darrickwood.bromley.sch.uk email address, or if you prefer, use the contact form on our website in the parent section.
Impact Multi Academy Trust
As mentioned in previous communications, from 1st April 2025, Darrick Wood School (the only academy in our current academy trust) will become part of a wider group of schools that are academies within Impact Multi Academy Trust. The opportunity to collaborate with other local schools through the structure this provides will be hugely beneficial for our staff and students. We are very excited about this next chapter in the history of this successful and popular school, especially as we move into our 50th anniversary year in 2025/2026.
Attendance Focus
93.9%
Highest Attendance
Congratulations to 7XB and 7XW who were the most punctual form groups this week.
Reading Recommendations
Click below for details
Previous Bulletins
Upcoming Events
20/03/25 – Year 9 Parents’ Evening
21/03/25 – Red Nose Day – Click here for details
01/04/25 – Gym Show – 7pm
03/04/25 – Spring Concert – 7pm
04/04/25 – Last day of term – early closure for students
22/04/25 – Summer term starts
05/05/25 – Bank Holiday – school closed
Useful Links
Please remember to sign up for Bikeability if you are a parent of a student in Year 7 or Year 8 – Click here for more information.
Easter Holiday Activities:
Highlights of the fortnight
Sixth Form Etching Workshop at Eltham College
The Sixth Form artists had their second Art Workshop at Eltham College on Friday, 28th February and it was a workshop on etching. The workshop was a new technique for our students, and they really enjoyed learning a new skill. They produced some great prints that will be added to their portfolios. The Art Department would like to say thank you to Eltham College and The Gerald Moore Gallery for putting on another amazing workshop for our Sixth Form artists. We are all looking forward to the last workshop later this month, which will be on life drawing.
Poetry By Heart
The English Department is once again taking part in the Poetry By Heart competition for Years 7-10. Students have been nominated by their English teachers after in-lesson recitals to go forward in the Darrick Wood Poetry Champion competition; judges will decide which of the best performances to submit to the National Competition. Participants and winners will receive recognition and prizes in a future assembly. If your child has been chosen to participate, congratulations! Announcements of our school Poetry Champions will be made after judging concludes later this month.
Dance Workshop
On Thursday, 17th March, dancers in Year 7 took part in a dance workshop led by Birdgang founder and choreographer Simeon Qseyeh. The workshop’s objective was to learn how to tell a story through dance choreography. It was an inclusive dance workshop that was taught through instructing students both verbally and with British Sign Language. The focus on practical activities allowed students to actively engage with the material. During the workshop the students were led through a series of practical activities that explained and modelled how a story can be told through movement, learning the power of abstract storytelling. That students were able to learn how to tell a story using simple actions, energy level, call and response is a great achievement. Simeon Qseyeh’s expertise as a Birdgang founder brought a high level of professional experience to the workshop. Well done to all the dance students for their effort, open mindedness, creativity and outstanding attitude.
Year 12 Oxbridge Applications Workshop
On 10th March, ten Year 12 students had the privilege of attending an Oxbridge applications workshop at Hayes School, in which we learned the top tips for applying to competitive universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge. The Outreach Officers from the mentioned universities gave us a full break down of their application processes, informing us of everything from the styles of questions we may be asked in interviews and the best ways to respond, to showing us examples of previous admissions tests. They also also gave us ideas of what we can be doing now in order to prepare us for our personal statements and overall applications to university. Ideas included listening to podcasts or entering essay writing competitions. They provided a plethora of examples tailored to each course. To bring the day to a close, we even had the opportunity to speak to some current students at Oxford and Cambridge, asking them questions about their experiences of the application process and then studying at such highly regarded and competitive universities. This really was a day well spent and a truly valuable experience for us all, giving us insight into what is being looked for in Oxbridge applications, as well as leaving us with lots of ideas of what we can start doing to enhance our own applications.
Year 8 & 9 Dance Club
We are delighted to inform you that a group of our Year 8 and 9 students recently had the incredible opportunity to participate in a Day of Dance at the renowned Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. This exciting event allowed our students to immerse themselves what it is like to train to become a professional dancers in the world of contemporary dance, enhancing their skills and broadening their artistic horizons.
Throughout the day, students had the chance to observe a professional class, gaining insight into the training and discipline required to succeed in the world of dance. This was followed by an engaging Q&A session with current dance students in training, where our students could ask questions, seek advice, and learn about the pathways available for aspiring dancers.
Each group of students took part in a dynamic contemporary dance workshop led by experienced professionals. This hands-on session provided them with a deeper understanding of contemporary techniques, choreography, and expression.
A highlight of the day was the opportunity for students to share the choreography they had been working on during their Step in Dance sessions. This provided them with a platform to showcase their creative work, demonstrate their progress, and experience the thrill of performing in a professional setting. The event also included a valuable feedback session, where students received constructive guidance on their performances and choreography.
We are extremely proud of how well our students represented the School, showing great enthusiasm, professionalism, and a genuine passion for dance. The experience has undoubtedly inspired them, and we hope it has fostered a greater appreciation for the performing arts.
Big Foot Arts Education
This week Year 7 were lucky enough to have Big Foot Arts Education deliver an interactive assembly to them on the dangers of knife crime. They heard the story of a 13-year-old boy who knew a friend was carrying a knife and discussed what he should do about this – both the right thing morally, legally and how to take responsibility and educate others. It was a hard-hitting topic and well received by all. Big Foot are back in later this year to work with Year 10 on issues around Consent.
World Book Day and KS3 Readthon
World Book Day last Thursday was filled with book-related fun. Form time quizzes for all year groups, a book treasure hunt around the School and … teachers in fancy dress! To make sure books and reading are not just a one day celebration, all of Year 7, 8 and 9 will be taking part in a Spring readathon – a sponsored read – starting Monday, 17th until Monday 31st March. Letters have been sent home with all the details. All monies raised will go to the charity Read for Good which sends storytellers and brand new books into hospitals for sick children. Please do encourage your child to have a book they enjoy reading with them. If they are short of ideas, Ms. Jacobs in the school’s Reading Realm is always happy to come up with suggestions for a book to borrow.
Eco Schools Green Flag Award
The Eco reps met for their fourth meeting this week. The meeting was a ‘working’ meeting where we conducted a site litter pick and discussed upcoming plans in relation to our focus areas. The Eco Reps are currently researching and organising for a ‘pen recycling’ campaign for after the Easter holidays. They plan to lead a briefing item in their alternative assembly in the coming weeks. We are also in the process of organising a student survey where we wish to identify how we can further improve our playground areas. During the Easter holidays we have scheduled for a ‘Carbon Reduction Audit’ which will help us establish what we can do to reduce our carbon footprint.
The Eco Committee also wished to thank all of the Wider Eco Committee and the school community for all they are doing in working toward becoming a litter free site. Now the weather is improving, we will be increasing the site litter picks.
Inter-House Book Token Competition
On World Book Day, Thursday, 6th March, the Inter-House Book Token Competition was judged by members of the Art and English Departments. They found it very hard to select three entries from each KS3 year group but came to an agreement on the winner, 2nd and 3rd place entries below. We would like to say thank you to everyone who took part and well done to the winners, 2nd and 3rd place entries.
Curriculum Showcase
Electricity is a fundamental topic in Physics and is studied throughout the Key Stages. Year 10 Separate Science students are coming to the end of their electricity topic and have been studying household circuits and safety. This included seeing for themselves how fuses work in our appliances.
We continued the theme of electricity in Rough Science club using ‘Squishy Circuits’. The students had salty dough to build their circuits and used Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) to check that their circuits worked – some were very ambitious!
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Neurodiversity Celebration Week
This week, we have been recognising Neurodiversity Celebration Week, a global initiative that champions the strengths and talents of neurodivergent individuals. The focus of the week has been outlined to students in Main Assembly and looked at through Form Time activities. Students have explored what it means to be neurodivergent, learning about autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia, for example.
Our focus has been on understanding, acceptance, and celebrating differences, encouraging all students to recognise the unique ways in which people think, learn, and experience the world. By fostering an inclusive and supportive school environment, we aim to ensure that every student feels valued and empowered to achieve their full potential.
We encourage parents and carers to continue the conversation at home. You can find more resources and information about neurodiversity by looking at the Neurodiversity Celebration Week website (UK).
Thank you for your support in making our school a place where every mind is valued.
Sports and PE News
South London Super 10s
On Friday evening we took a squad of 15 to the 5th Annual Super 10s tournament organised by the Roebucks Rugby Academy at Charlton Park RFC to play under floodlights against several local rivals with varying degrees of rugby excellence.
The tournament began with games to sort teams into two pools – our strategy of getting into the weaker pool by being soundly beaten by a very impressive Roebucks A team worked a treat in the first match – the boys battled hard but couldn’t trouble the scorers – although it did give us the chance to throw relative newbies Lucian and Jack on for their first taste of 10-a-side tournament rugby. Sadly, we lost Jake to an ankle twist – a little earlier in the tournament than planned we had lost one of our most devastating ball carriers.
Next came BETHS Grammar school and a debut for Josh against his old school. Still reeling from our first match and the loss of Jake, we started slowly, unable to cut out simple errors and falling victim to a couple of decent opponents and found ourselves 17 – 0 down with just 5 minutes to go. However, things finally started clicking for us and Oscar’s break to score and convert, followed by an impressive run from Rowan narrowed the gap to just 17-14 as the final whistle blew – a game we could and should have won. With no break to rest, our next fixture was against a Roebucks B squad – featuring some very big men. With vociferous home support, Roebucks pulled out into a 17-0 lead, but as Darrick began to gain a bit of possession, driven onwards by Nathan whose power running lifted the team as he led from the front breaking Roebucks’ tackles, things started looking up. We closed the game strongly, including a second try of the evening for Oscar, leaving the final score as 17-7.
A short break followed, allowing for the catching of breath and the resting of sore bones. Old friends Wilmington Grammar were next and with a little energy regained, we started strongly, Henry opened the scoring following a trademark mazy slalom run, next came Oscar’s 3rd try of the event – a decent 20 yard line break made by a great dummy and more was to follow as Will went over to extend our lead to 17-0. Wilmington finally started performing as our injuries resumed. James left the field with blood streaming from a crooked nose and Oscar was removed with a head bang. With poor Jack L and Jacob – neither with a physique designed for the fast-paced ten a side game forced to stay on for the whole match, Wilmington began to spray the ball around and managed a couple of consolation scores whilst we were distracted by seeking medical treatment for our casualties. However, a win secured, and we moved onto our final game of the evening (again, with no break) with a depleted squad. This was a first chance to lock horns with Archbishop’s School Canterbury, who’ll be visiting us later this week. With a makeshift team, asking a lot of some of our less experienced guys, things started poorly, as we fell 12-0 behind. However, Seb and others helped the newbies with instructions and leading by example and we started getting back into it. Dom, reliable as ever, worked hard to get around the pitch and our wrecking ball Roy was dominant in the contact areas. Hard running took us down within reach of Archbishops’ line and Rowan finished off a try made by Nathan for his second of the evening. The game closed with more Darrick pressure and desperate Archbishop’s defence just about holding out, despite some great penetrative running from Jack R – really rising to the occasion. A narrow 12-5 defeat consigned us to 3rd place in our group of 5 teams – with the best points difference of three teams with identical records – testament to the never give up attitude of this group. We close the season with home and then away fixture against Archbishop’s Canterbury. We finished the evening with some wonderful singing on the bus back and a gratefully received bag of tasty treats from the tournament organisers – best Friday night I’ve had in ages.
Squad: Rowan, Jacob, Jack L, Seb, Dom, Jake, Roy, James, Nathan, Oscar, Henry, Will, Lucian, Jack R, Josh O
Darrick Wood School PGL Netball Tour 2025: A Weekend of Achievement, Adventure, and Team Spirit
This year, we had the incredible privilege of taking 60 girls from Years 7, 8, 9, and 10 on an exciting PGL Netball Tour in Swindon. It was a weekend full of competition, teamwork, and unforgettable memories that we’ll cherish… until next year!
The girls were absolutely fantastic throughout the entire trip, not only demonstrating excellent skill and determination on the netball court but also showing impeccable behaviour and sportsmanship throughout the weekend. Whether they were in the middle of a thrilling match or taking part in outdoor adventure activities, the energy and enthusiasm were contagious!
Fierce Competition and Impressive Netball
Year 8, 9, and 10 teams all made it to the semi-finals — a phenomenal achievement in itself. After some hard-fought matches, all three of these teams proudly earned bronze medals, finishing in 3rd place. The girls demonstrated not only their individual skills but also the power of teamwork, making each match a display of determination and passion.
Year 7 also impressed everyone with their spirited performances, showing they are a force to be reckoned with in future tournaments. Every player, regardless of age group, stepped up to the challenge, contributing to the success of the tour.
Adventure Beyond the Court
Beyond the competitive netball matches, the girls had the opportunity to take part in a variety of outdoor adventure activities, which added a whole new level of excitement to the trip. From high ropes courses to team-building exercises, the girls had the chance to test their limits, build resilience, and strengthen their friendships. These activities not only fostered a sense of camaraderie but also encouraged everyone to push themselves and embrace new challenges.
A Team to Be Proud Of
We are incredibly proud of how all the girls represented the School and their teams. Their sportsmanship, enthusiasm, and commitment to playing their best were clear both on and off the court. The dedication they showed, along with their impeccable behaviour, made this an unforgettable experience for all involved.
The weekend was an inspiring reminder of the power of sport to bring people together and create lasting bonds. As we look back on the trip, it’s clear that these girls are not only talented netball players but also individuals who know the value of teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship.
A huge congratulations to all the girls on their achievements, and thank you to the parents, teachers, and staff for their support in making this trip such a success. We can’t wait for next year’s PGL Netball Tour!
Wellbeing
Student Leadership
Main Assemblies
Last week we had a Jazz Band treat us to a performance in Main Assembly. A big thank you to Daniel, Chuks, Zachary and Guillermo for their hard work and performance skills.
This week in assembly some of our Charity Reps spoke about Comic Relief and the 40 year anniversary. They shared some of the history of this charity with us and told us about the Red Nose sale that is in the Dining hall every break time this week. Red noses were then worn on Friday to celebrate the work of this charity. Thank you to Abi, Wesley, Arthur and Ella for presenting to the whole school
Comic Relief
This week the Charity Reps were selling red noses at break in the dining hall for Comic Relief. Thank you to all of those who helped out and we will let you know the total raised for this charity shortly. This year Red Nose Day celebrated 40 years with 4 different noses across the decades – there was a lot of excitement over which nose they would get in their boxes! Thank you to all of those who have bought a nose or donated to this charity.
Work Related Learning
Year 9 PSHE GCSE Options Lessons
Since returning from the half-term break, Mrs Collier has led all Year 9 PSHE lessons, focusing on decision-making and the broader GCSE options process. Students have been given tasks, including a booklet to help them reflect on potential subjects based on their interests, whilst considering what information they need to find out or questions they should ask to support their final decisions. Students have actively engaged in the lessons and asked many insightful questions. They have been encouraged to speak to Mrs Collier or Mrs Taylor in the Careers and Work Experience Office if they have any specific queries about individual subject choices and their links to future career pathways, ahead of the deadline at the end of this month.
Grant Thornton Assembly
National Careers Week took place at the beginning of March, and to celebrate, we were delighted to welcome two former students, Kirsty Hillier and Ope Abiru from Grant Thornton, to speak with our Year 9 and Year 10 students. Kirsty and Ope, who left Darrick Wood School in 2003 and 2020 respectively, shared their personal career paths since leaving Darrick Wood School and provided valuable insights into opportunities within the Finance and Accounting industry. With Year 9 students currently considering their GCSE subject choices and Year 10 students preparing to apply for post-16 pathways in the Autumn term of Year 11, the assembly offered a fantastic opportunity for our students to reflect on their next steps and hear firsthand from former students who have already walked in their footsteps.
Aspirational Digital Conference – Showcase Bluewater
On Thursday, 13th March, Mrs Collier and Mr Hammond took fifteen Year 12 students studying Media Studies, Business, and Computer Science to the Showcase Bluewater for the annual Aspirational Digital Conference. Students participated in workshops led by various guest speakers from organisations across the Digital Industry, including the BBC and award-winning author and international entrepreneur, Daniel Priestley. This event gave our students a valuable opportunity to learn more about the digital industry, explore roles and career paths they might not have previously considered, and gain insight into how the industry has evolved and continues to change. There was a strong emphasis on the expanding opportunities in the digital sector, including roles that don’t yet exist but will in the future. Students also had the chance to network with professionals, employers, and higher education providers, gaining information about apprenticeships and industry insight experiences.
The organisers of Aspirational Digital have asked us to share information about an online webinar being hosted by BIMA (British Interactive Media Association) on Wednesday, 26th March, aimed at inspiring students to consider digital careers. The webinar is free to attend and open to any parent/carer that would like to learn more about digital career opportunities for their child. The webinar will cover topics including job roles, salaries and culture, and of course routes into the jobs themselves. If you would like to attend, please sign up using this link.
Next Steps Event at London South East Colleges Bromley Campus
On Friday, 14th March, our BTEC Level 2 Business students visited the London South East Colleges Bromley Campus to take part in a next steps event focused on apprenticeships and post-18 opportunities. The event provided a valuable opportunity for our students to deepen their understanding of apprenticeships and explore the various pathways available to them in the future.
Choices Magazine – March Edition
Please find attached below, the March edition of the parent and carer guide to apprenticeships with lots of useful content to support your child with post-16 and post-18 pathway options.