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
Welcome to our second Parent Bulletin of the summer term. As mentioned in the last edition, we have had an amazing amount of sporting success this year, culminating in an unprecedented number of teams reaching football cup finals. Whilst I could not get to all the matches, I was able to watch our U16 girls’ team beat a strong Langley Girls team 2-1. To see them join lift the trophy having played in the hot sunshine at the Beckenham FC ground, was an absolute joy. See below for further reports on all these recent brilliant games.
Last Friday, I attended an uplifting and memorable last assembly with Year 13. We shared memories of their time at Darrick Wood and said a warm thank you to prefects, senior prefects, teachers and pastoral staff. The grand finale was listening (or even dancing) to the excellent band, Diver, who consist of current and former students and whose covers included an excellent rendition of Oasis’ classic “Don’t Look Back in Anger”. The dancing continued into the late evening at their Leavers’ Ball. A wonderful year group who we will miss greatly. We wish them all the very best with their examinations to come and life beyond DWS.
Public examinations have now started and we are very grateful that the wider School community recognises this by remaining especially calm and quiet when close to examination venues around school. Good luck to all involved with the exams.
Finally from me, there’s a reminder below about the PSFA’s pre-loved uniform sale. With our transition to the new uniform in September (for Year 7 at least) you might want to pop along and pick up a bargain if your plan is for your child to remain in the old uniform but it is looking likely they may need any replacing. Thank you to parent/carer helpers and the Committee for their hard work with this and other PSFA events.
Football update
U12 Boys – Narrowly lost 1-2 to Ravens Wood School. Unfortunately, these boys went 0-2 down in the game very quickly. Despite scoring a wonderful goal to get back in the game, they couldn’t quite do enough in the Bromley heat to take the game to extra time. These boys, however, have an incredible Darrick Wood footballing future ahead of them…and we can’t wait to see it unfold!
U12 Girls also narrowly lost 1-3 to Bonus Pastor in the Bromley cup final. Again, these girls fell short on the day. But BP deserved their win and the girls need to take these disappointing results into next season and to try and be more competitive in big games. But over the course of the season, they have again showed huge potential. We want this group to push onto Kent Cup success next season.
U13 Girls beat Bullers Wood (our long term rivals) 5-0! This result was absolutely superb as BW are so strong across every year group. The girls conducted themselves superbly on the day and fought for every ball. Playing on a big pitch at Bromley FC they were also fighting through fatigue, but didn’t stop running, eventually scoring a few goals from long range. Jess R was player of the match, often going on winding runs and making things very difficult for the opposition.
U14 girls beat Newstead Woods school 4-0 in the Bromley Cup final! Another great performance from our girls against a strong grammar school. Issy, Sadie and Jess were all joint players of the match. But all the girls played superbly and did the School proud.
U16 girls put all the spectators heart rates through their paces…but held on to beat the two time Kent cup winning Langley park 2-1 in the Bromley Cup final. Playing at Beckenham Town in the heat the girls ran and ran all game. They scored 2 good goals without answer before Langley scored a good free kick with 15 minutes to go. A very nervy finish with a number of girls playing through injury….but they held on.
All in all this season we played 125 games! Finishing the season with three Bromley Cups was a fantastic achievement and we are already making plans for next season. More and more young people want to join Darrick Wood School because they see the fantastic Footballers we have and the smiles on their faces when representing the School. Thanks to all students and parents for their efforts this season….next year we push for Kent Cups!
Upcoming Events
9th May – PSFA pre-loved uniform sale 10-11am in the Dining Hall
25th May – Half Term
25th June – 50th anniversary day for students (activities within school, not following usual timetable)
Useful Links
Reading Recommendations
Click below for details
Attendance Focus
92.9%
Congratulations go to forms 7TBR, 8XL, 9XW, 10XS and 11XF who lead the way in each year group with attendance of at least 95%.
Please note that the School will not authorise any absences during the week before or the week after half‑term unless supported by appropriate medical evidence. We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining high attendance so that students do not miss valuable learning time. Further details have been shared in an email sent to all parents and carers.
Previous Bulletins
Updates and Reminders
PSFA Preloved Uniform Sale, Saturday 9th May 2026 10-11am
The PSFA will be holding a pre-loved uniform sale this Saturday, 10:00-11:00am on in the Dining Hall.
Donations of good quality uniform and PE kit are always welcome. Please hand it in to the main office marked for the attention of the PSFA.
If you are able to help, with set up the day before from 4 to 6pm or on the day of the sale from 9:30 to 11:30, please sign up here: volunteer sign up sheet
Thanks in advance,
Joanne Cummins
PSFA Chair
DANCE PRODUCTION 2026
We are launching our annual Dance Production – an exciting opportunity for students to showcase their hard work and creativity to friends, family and teachers. This year’s theme is ‘CELEBRATE’, chosen to mark Darrick Wood School’s 50th anniversary.
We would love to encourage as many students as possible to get involved. Students have the opportunity to choreograph and perform their own dance as part of the show. Performances can be in any dance style, including tap, ballet, hip‑hop, contemporary, acro, Latin, breakdancing, etc. Dances may be performed as a solo, duo or group, with a maximum length of two minutes.
Students wishing to audition can sign up using the sheet in the dance studio. Auditions will take place after the May half‑term break. We look forward to celebrating creativity, talent and our school’s special milestone together.
Highlights
KS3 & 4 Dance Club
On 21 April, 26 dancers from our KS3 & 4 Dance club proudly represented the School at Step Around Town, hosted at Townley Grammar School in Dartford. The dancers performed their piece, “The Chain,” which they have worked tirelessly on since January.
During the technical rehearsal, the group showed outstanding professionalism, waiting patiently for their turn and supporting one another throughout. When it came time to perform, they truly rose to the occasion, delivering a confident, powerful performance.
The dancers worked brilliantly as a team, supporting each other both on and off the stage, and demonstrated commitment, unity, and passion from start to finish. A huge well done to everyone involved. You were a credit to the school!
Curriculum Showcase
Learn Together at Home
Film Studies:
We study five key analysis areas in film. These include Mis-en-Scene, Cinematography, Sound, Editing and Performance.
At home task:
Watch two films from the same director, can you identify a clear style and aesthetic? These directors are often referred to as Auteurs. Can you identify one point per analysis area? Here is an example from Wes Anderson films, a director known for his colourful aesthetic and quirky narratives.
Further thinking…
Does the director’s work cover similar themes or Ideologies? How are these highlighted through the use of Mis-en-Scene, Cinematography, Sound, Editing and Performance.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As part of our ongoing commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, we would like to highlight the following awareness events, which provide valuable opportunities for learning, reflection and discussion both in school and at home.
This Week
Deaf Awareness Week (4th – 10th May)
This week, students have already been made aware of Deaf Awareness Week through the Darrick Dispatch. The week aims to raise awareness of the experiences, culture and challenges faced by deaf and hard of hearing people, and to promote inclusion and understanding.
Families may wish to continue these conversations at home. One simple and engaging suggestion is to try learning the British Sign Language (BSL) alphabet together. Even learning a few signs can help children appreciate the value of accessible communication and the importance of breaking down barriers for others.
World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day (8th May)
Thursday marks World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, which recognises the humanitarian work carried out globally by volunteers and staff supporting people affected by conflict, disaster and crisis. The day promotes values of compassion, neutrality and helping those in need, values that closely align with our school ethos. We encourage families to talk together about the importance of kindness, service and global responsibility.
Looking Ahead to Next Week
Mental Health Awareness Week (11–17 May)
Next week is Mental Health Awareness Week, which focuses on taking action to support good mental health. We will be encouraging students to think about ways to look after their own wellbeing and to support others.
Parents and carers play a vital role in this. At home, you might consider:
- Creating regular opportunities for open, judgement-free conversations about how your child is feeling
- Normalising discussions around mental health, just as we do with physical health
- Encouraging healthy routines, including sufficient sleep, balanced screen use and time outdoors
- Reassuring children that it is okay to ask for help and that support is available when needed
Small, everyday check-ins can make a significant difference and help young people feel heard, supported and valued.
Thank you for working in partnership with us to promote understanding, inclusion and wellbeing across our school community.
Sports and PE News
Wellbeing
Emotional Based School Avoidance:
BBC Bitesize has a page dedicated to parents of children displaying emotional based school avoidance:
If your child is starting to display signs of anxiety related school avoidance, speak to their pastoral team. You can contact them using the contact us form here.
Parents can also complete a referral to Bromley Y directly. It is best to do this as soon as your child starts to display signs of school anxiety; offering support early is often more effective.
Student Leadership
Main Assembly
This week in assembly Megan, Jacob and Maryam presented to us about Deaf Awareness week and the importance of celebrating this as a school. With the help of Mx Frieacre and lots of hard work, the presentation was excellent and very informative and we thank them for their time and efforts with this.
Main Assembly
Last week Ella, Tobie, Emma and Chloe took time out from their revision to deliver an outstanding assembly on Culture within Darrick Woof School. They each spoke of their own heritage and the importance of this to them and discussed how we are a school that celebrates difference and supports each other in every way. They were mature and confident in their delivery and we thank them for taking the time to do this for us.
Work Related Learning
Careers Bulletin
Please click on this link to view this week’s careers bulletin attached with various work-based opportunities that may be of interest to your child.
Investin Parent Webinars
Investin are hosting a series of parent webinars this term. Details can be found by clicking the image.
Congratulations to Carys B (Y12), Lucas B (Y10), Scarlett I-B (Y8) and James C (Y8) who all took part in the Regional SE London Swimming Championships across two weekends representing Orpington Ojays Swimming Club. They were all a huge credit to their club and it’s wonderful to have so much swimming talent within the School.
