The Darrick Wood Way
Parent Bulletin
“Education is a once in a lifetime opportunity to open children’s hearts and minds to the unbelievable wonder of the universe”
– Sir Anthony Seldon –
Message from the Head Teacher
Last night’s Spring Concert has to be the highlight of the week for me. Students from every year group performed brilliantly to a full Main Hall of families, governors, trustees and staff. The range of talent on display was remarkable, and the quality of music was outstanding. Our thanks go to the Music Department and colleagues in the Movement and Performing Arts Faculty for the many extra hours they have given to make the evening such a success. If you have never attended one of our concerts, do join us for the Summer Concert at the end of next term.
I am also very pleased to share that Darrick Wood School has been awarded the Leading Parent Partnership Award (LPPA). Although we have always enjoyed strong parental support, we wanted to challenge ourselves to strengthen communication and engagement even further. This has included refreshing our Parent Bulletin, improving our reception meeting space, reviewing how we run events, and increasing opportunities for parent surveys and consultations. We are grateful to all parents who contributed to the process, including those who met with the assessor. Strong partnerships with parents make a real difference to our students, and we are delighted that this work has been recognised.
Work on the new school uniform for September 2026 is progressing well. We are now finalising the designs and hope to share the new look before or shortly after the Easter break. It will take some getting used to, but the uniform should look very smart, and I am grateful for the thoughtful input from parents, students and staff
I do need to raise a concern about road safety. We have received several reports of students being distracted near busy roads, sometimes due to mobile phone use or playful behaviour. Please speak with your child about staying alert when travelling to and from school. Road safety is covered in PSHE and assemblies, but your support at home is invaluable.
Finally, students have now seen several editions of our new Darrick Dispatch, usually shown in form time on Friday mornings. It shares news from across the School, including the fantastic achievement of our 1st XI football team, who won the Bromley league this week. This week’s theme was Empathy, and next week’s will be Responsibility.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
Upcoming Events
24th March – Gym Show
26th March – Year 10 Parents’ Evening
27th March – Last Day of Term
Useful Links
Reading Recommendations
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Attendance Focus
93.1%
Well done to form 7HSM for the lowest number of unauthorised absence and late marks in the school. We are also delighted to see an increase in KS3 and KS4 pupils achieving 95% or higher attendance levels in March to date (an additional 67 students to be precise). As a reminder – pupils should be in school and on their playgrounds before 8:35am; we are currently seeing an increase in arrivals on site after this time.
Previous Bulletins
Updates and Reminders
Highlights
As part of the Year 13 BTEC Level 3 Children’s Play, Learning and Development course, students are required to demonstrate their understanding of essential first aid. To support this, a representative from Daisy First Aid visited the School to deliver a two‑hour interactive training session.
During the session, students learned how to respond to a range of child‑related emergencies, including choking and cardiac arrest. They were taught how to administer CPR to both babies and children, as well as how to safely place them in the recovery position.
Students also had the opportunity to practise their CPR skills and respond to choking scenarios using baby‑sized and child‑sized resuscitation manikins.
The session was highly engaging, and all students thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
We are delighted to share a series of exciting updates and achievements from the Dance Department. It has been an exceptionally busy and rewarding term, and our students continue to impress us with their dedication, creativity, and professionalism.
GCSE Dance – Choreography Exam Completed
Our GCSE Dance students have successfully completed their choreography examination. This is a major milestone in their course covering 30%, requiring each student to develop, refine, and perform an original piece of choreography over a number of months. Their work demonstrated maturity, imaginative ideas and strong technical skill. We are incredibly proud of the commitment they have shown throughout the process and the dancers who gave up so much of their time to perform the work.
A Level Dance – Practical Exam Component
Our A Level Dance students have also been hard at work completing the practical component, which is 50% of their A level. This required them to perform solos in the style of a practitioner and a quartet as well as their own choreographic work. Their performances showcased not only technical excellence but also thoughtful artistry and expressive confidence. Well done to all involved for their professionalism and resilience. A big thank you to the dancers who were extremely dedicated, sacrificing their own time to be in the A level choreography dances.
Extra-Curricular Dance Group – Day of Dance at Laban
Our extra‑curricular key stage three and four dance group had a fantastic opportunity to take part in a “Day of Dance” at Laban. Students experienced high‑quality workshops delivered by specialist practitioners in world‑class studios. The day expanded their skills, inspired new movement ideas, and gave them a taste of training in a professional conservatoire environment.
DWS Dance Company – Shortlisted for U.Dance
We are thrilled to announce that the DWS Dance Company has been shortlisted for the prestigious U.Dance platform. This is an incredible achievement, as U.Dance celebrates the very best in youth dance across the country. Being shortlisted reflects the company’s talent, creativity and exceptional teamwork. We look forward to sharing further news as the process continues.
Thank you for your continued support of the Dance Department. We look forward to an exciting term ahead filled with creativity, performance, and progress.
Exploring Faith and Community: Student join the Alpha Course
Over the past term, students from Years 10–13 have been taking part in the Alpha Course, a well‑known programme designed to explore the basics of the Christian faith in an open and welcoming environment.
Alpha is built around a simple idea: creating space where people can ask questions, share thoughts, and explore life, faith, and meaning. There’s no pressure and no judgement—just honest conversation. Whether pupils arrived with a strong faith, a few questions, or no previous experience at all, everyone was encouraged to take part in discussions at their own pace.
Each session began with the group sharing food together, generously provided by Mrs Chiana. The food not only fuelled us over lunchtime but helped to create a warm, relaxed atmosphere where pupils felt comfortable engaging in thoughtful and sometimes lively conversations.
Throughout the course, students explored themes such as identity, purpose, and the teachings of Jesus, while building connections across year groups. Many described the experience as eye‑opening, supportive, and refreshing, a rare opportunity to pause, reflect, and talk openly about life’s big questions.
We extend our thanks to the staff who helped make the Alpha Course possible. Bible Study, Food and Fellowship continues this term in SC3 on Tuesday lunchtimes from 1.15pm.
Year 12 Cambridge Medics Trip
On Thursday, 12th March, Mrs Mitchell and five Year 12 aspiring Medics joined students and staff from other Impact Multi Academy Trust schools on a fantastic trip to Selwyn College, Cambridge. Our thanks to Ms Parry from Langley Park School for Girls for organising the day. Below is a report from Jasmine.
To start the day off, we were shown various images from a virtual dissection table and were taught about various parts of the body and their functions. These included aspects of the brain such as the cerebellum and frontal lobe. After this we were all individually able to use the virtual dissection table, which allowed us to look at organs of dogs and humans, as well of a variety of different types of scans of the body such as CT and MRI. We then were taken to look at the university library and had a tour of the college. The student ambassadors at Cambridge were welcoming and were able to answer our questions about life at university and the courses offered at Cambridge. This trip was an exciting day out, as well as an excellent opportunity to discuss higher education.
London Youth Games
On Tuesday, 17th March the Year 8 indoor athletics team participated in the London Youth Games Finals, which they qualified for a few weeks previously. 8 students participated in a variety of activities involving running boards, standing long jump, vertical jump, triple jump and shot. In the 8 lap “Paarlauf”, Alana and Elise won the race, and Alana won her individual 4 lap race. Also, in the 2-lap relay race they won the race on the last lap with such an amazing finish.
Overall, out of the 12 schools who had qualified, Darrick Wood came 3rd receiving medals. Our congratulations to Alana, Elise, Poppy-Beau, Emily, Caityln, Tilly, Jess and Xanthe for all their hard work and achievement.
Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge Bromley Regional Final
The Bromley Schools Regional Final was held on Tuesday, 17th March at Chislehurst School for Girls. Twelve local schools took part with a range of diverse topics from modern politics to The Selfish Gene. Maisie in Year 10 represented our school with a superbly delivered speech on ‘Beauty Standards’ – including a fascinating account of how ideas of beauty have changed over time yet the pressure on women and girls to conform to unrealistic ideals continues to this day. Well done, Maisie!
Darrick Wood pianists perform at Langley Park
Wednesday evening saw four of our talented pianists take part in a concert at Langley Park School for Boys as part of their music festival week. Year 8 student, Alice W, two Year 9 students, Aviral K and Aurelia P and Year 10 student Yan M performed brilliantly, most playing longer pieces from memory. This was part of a concert involving pianists from all IMPACT Trust schools and it is the first time Darrick Wood has been represented at this event. Well done for representing our school and demonstrating resilience in performing.
Aiming High – Year 12 Oxbridge Applications Workshop
Below is a report from Riley on the recent Aiming High trip.
Last week I was lucky enough to be part of a group of 10 Year 12 students who got to attend an Oxbridge workshop at Hayes School. Through the workshop we gained valuable insight into the Oxford and Cambridge application process, including top super-curricular tips and what subjects each of the universities offer. During the afternoon we listened to a talk presented by Oxbridge outreach officers on what makes a good Oxbridge applicant and the application steps we will have to make once we are in year 13. I believe the workshop helped the whole group to gain a clear understanding of how Cambridge and Oxford run (from student timetables to the different facilities at each college) and the application process as a whole.
Curriculum Showcase
Learn Together at Home
Resistant Materials / Product Design
Analysis of Existing Products
Look around the home for an everyday product e.g. TV remote control, cheese grater, toothbrush, pair of scissors.
Choose something that everybody has used or has experience of using and discuss its appearance, functional features, and ease of use.
Further thinking…
KS3:
What are the positives and negatives of the product in relation to its appearance, functional features, and ease of use?
KS4/5:
What are the positives and negatives of the product in relation to its appearance, functional features, and ease of use?
Who do you think the product is designed for?
How would you improve the parts of the product that you think are not very successful?
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Over the coming week, our school community will be aware of, and marking, several important international awareness days. These events provide valuable opportunities for our students and wider community to deepen their understanding of global issues, celebrate diversity, and reflect on the responsibilities we share in creating a more inclusive and compassionate world.
21st March is International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
We encourage all across the school community to promote equality, respect, and empathy. Through discussion, reflection, and learning, we aim to reinforce the message that every member of our community deserves to feel safe, valued, and included.
21st March is World Down Syndrome Day
We will be mindful and aware of the global celebration of individuality and inclusion by raising awareness of Down syndrome. The focus of World Down Syndrome Day this year is “Together Against Loneliness.” The focus this year is on encouraging independence, self-advocacy and freedom of choices for people with Down syndrome.
24th March is World Tuberculosis (TB) Day
World TB Day helps raise awareness about global health and the importance of access to medical care. We encourage families to talk about the basic health initiatives and the importance of supporting worldwide efforts to prevent and treat infectious diseases.
25th March is International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
We encourage all to join us to honour the millions of individuals whose lives were affected by slavery. For meaningful discussion, we encourage discussion that explores themes of human rights, resilience, and the importance of remembering history to build a fairer future.
Sports and PE News
Netball Tour 2026
Here are some highlights from our recent Netball Tour to Liddington, which proved to be a fantastic weekend for all involved. Having visited before, it was great to return and make more wonderful memories. The girls represented the School brilliantly, demonstrating not only excellent netball skills but also outstanding teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. It was wonderful to see how well they supported and encouraged one another, both on and off the court. When they were not competing in matches, the students took part in a range of adventurous outdoor activities, including a zip line, big swing, axe throwing and many more. These provided great opportunities for them to challenge themselves, build confidence, and strengthen friendships across the group. Due to some poor weather, we also enjoyed a relaxed movie night, which was a great way to spend time together indoors. A particular highlight of the tour was our silent disco on the final evening, which was enjoyed by everyone and provided a fun and memorable way to celebrate the weekend together. We are especially proud to report that four of our teams progressed to the semi-finals – an excellent achievement that reflects the hard work and dedication of all the players. Overall, it was a highly successful and enjoyable tour, and we are very proud of the way the girls conducted themselves throughout.
Safety & Awareness
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Wellbeing
Parents’ Toolkit: Supporting Children’s Mental Health
BBC Bitesize has a helpful Parents’ Toolkit with clear, accessible guidance on children’s mental health, including signs to look out for and where to find support. You can explore the toolkit here: BBC Bitesize – Parents’ Mental Health Toolkit.
Student Leadership
Main Assembly
This week, Ryan, Megan and Poppy took centre stage to share their experience of Poetry by Heart. They spoke confidently about the event and their individual contributions, giving everyone a real insight into the work involved. A huge thank you to all three for their enthusiasm and effort
Main Assembly
In last week’s assembly, some of our Science Ambassadors shared an insight into the fantastic science work happening across the School. Their presentation was informative, well‑planned and delivered with real confidence. A big thank you to Jasveer, Megan, Zara and Summer for representing the subject so brilliantly, and to Dr Love for supporting them throughout.
Work Related Learning
Careers Bulletin
Please click on this link to view this week’s careers bulletin attached with various opportunities that may be of interest to your child.
Year 9 Work Shadowing Day
Year 9 Work Shadowing Day proved to be a great success, offering students a rich and varied insight into the working world. Most students spent the day in a workplace alongside a parent, carer or trusted adult, experiencing a wide range of industries and returning with fantastic stories about the roles, skills and environments they encountered.
For those students in school, the day was equally meaningful. Essentially, students attended sessions focussing on the importance of transferable skills within the world of work. We were delighted to welcome guest speakers from Bank of America, Grant Thornton, the National College for Digital Skills, the NHS, and a multi‑industry Careers Coach; the group also included two former Darrick Wood students who returned to share their own career journeys. Their contributions helped us to bring elements of the workplace into the school environment. Additionally, students took part in a live virtual insight session on green careers, learning how sustainability is shaping the future job market and how many emerging roles do not yet exist.
Work Experience
Please find a reminder below about this year’s Work Experience programmes following on from information emailed previously to parents and carers.
Year 10 Work Experience Programme: Monday, 29th June – Friday, 3rd July 2026
Year 12 Work Experience Programme: Monday, 13th July – Friday, 17th July 2026
All Year 10 and 12 students are required to source a one-week work experience placement during the designated weeks listed above.
Students have attended a Work Experience Assembly, led by Mrs Collier, our Head of Work-Related Learning and are aware of their responsibility to source their own work experience placement. Guidance has also been emailed to students directly.
Deadlines to secure work experience placements:
| Work Experience Dates | Deadline to submit Student Initial Form on Unifrog | Deadline for Employer Information Form and Parent/Guardian Form to be submitted |
Year 10 | Monday, 29th June – Friday, 3rd July 2026 | Monday, 13th April 2026 | Friday, 24th April |
Year 12 | Monday, 13th July – Friday, 17th July 2026
| Tuesday, 5th May 2026 | Friday, 15th May 2026 |
Once a student has secured a work experience placement, the following forms must be submitted by the deadlines outlined:
- The Student Initial Form must be submitted by students on Unifrog as soon as they have secured a placement and no later than the relevant deadline above.
- The Employer Form and Parent/Carer Consent Forms must be submitted using the links emailed directly from Unifrog by the relevant deadline above. The sequence of form completion means that if a form is not completed, the process cannot move to the next stage. The Employer Form and Parent/Carer Consent Forms are sent directly by Unifrog to the emails that are provided in the Initial Student Form and neither the Employer or Parent/Carer require Unifrog accounts to complete the forms.
Throughout the Summer Term, the Work-Related Learning Department will carry out pre-placement checks in school to ensure that every placement sourced is suitable and can be authorised. Students are encouraged to update Mrs Collier and Mrs MacBean in the Careers Department with their progress or seek any guidance.