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
As we continue to make arrangements for our 50th anniversary day of celebration with students in school on 25th June, I have had the opportunity to search our records and appreciate the rich history of our amazing school. There is so much I could share, but a highlight has to be that one of the first pupils at the School was able to send me his recollection of their first day at Darrick Wood and a copy from a news article from that time. Pupils had, for the first term been travelling to Charles Darwin School as the buildings at Darrick Wood were not available until January 1976. They look very excited to be finally starting their new school complete with smart uniform and very full bags!
Around 20 years later, the School’s success was recognised through a massive investment into an expansion project which built what we now know as the Barker Building, Main Hall, Dance Studio and other rooms to accommodate a doubling in the number of pupils attending.
We then went on to build the Sixth Form Centre (Rhymaun Building) and later the MPA Building and improvements to the Dining Hall. Unfortunately, I haven’t got time to document and share all of this currently, so I have just shared a sample here. We are planning to update our whole website very soon and that will include new history of the School pages so that these moments are not lost.
17th July 2026 – calling all alumni
Are you, or is someone you know, a former pupil of Darrick Wood School? We have a rare opportunity on offer. For a donation of at least £5, alumni will soon be able to sign up to attend a tour of the School, see how what has changed and what has stayed the same, whilst reminiscing with friends and rekindling old memories. The link to sign up will be available on the website soon, but in the meantime start spreading the word about Friday, 17th July 2026, 6.30-8pm. It will be a strictly ticket only event and strongly encourage any of our earliest cohorts to come along if at all possible. Depending on popularity we may offer other opportunities in future years.
Year 7 and 8 language options
Year 7 and 8 Modern Foreign Language Options – selecting a preference for study from Sept 2026
Last Friday and again this week we have sent information to parent/carers of Year 7 and Year 8 about the changes to their child’s modern foreign language studies next academic year. For most parent/carers the letter will have included a link to an online form to express their child’s preference for study from September. We’d like to remind you to complete the form if applicable, by Friday, 12th June; access to the form will close after Friday.
Upcoming Events
25th June – 50th anniversary day for students (activities within school, not following usual timetable)
30th June – Sports Day at Norman Park – see separate email then acknowledge on MCAS app
2nd July – Summer Concert – 7pm
8th July – Art and Textiles Exhibition – 4pm to 6pm
9th July – Dance Production – 7pm
16th July – Sports Awards Evening – 6.30pm
22nd July – Last day of term
Useful Links
Reading Recommendations
Click below for details
Attendance Focus
92.3%
We know that travel to school is sometimes difficult if roadworks are taking place. Bromley Borough make information available on their website showing planned works and potential delays – please see the link below. We hope this is helpful in planning journeys to school and thank you for your support to ensure your child’s prompt arrival on site before 8:35am each day.
Previous Bulletins
Updates and Reminders
Ready to Learn – Uniform and Equipment
In order to support students in being successful with their education it is imperative that parents and carers support their children in ensuring they attend school on time, every day and with the correct uniform and equipment. This is a parental responsibility. We are seeing increasing numbers of students attend school without any equipment and are therefore not ready to learn. If you have any concerns about providing the basic essential equipment for your child then please contact the pastoral team in the first instance. This can be done so though the year group homepage contact form or by emailing the main reception who will forward your email to the relevant pastoral team. Our uniform and equipment list can be accessed on our website: Uniform
Students who do not comply with these basic expectations will be sanctioned in line with the school behaviour policy.
Highlights
This year, an impressive 42,000 pupils from Years 9 and 10 across the UK took part in the UK Biology Challenge, highlighting the competition’s popularity and level of challenge. At Darrick Wood we entered 78 Year 10 pupils, who completed the two 25-minute multiple-choice papers. We are delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our pupils. Megan, Jennaya and Daisy-Anais were awarded Gold, which placed them in the top 5% of pupils nationwide. In addition, six pupils achieved Silver (top 10%) and a further fifteen earned Bronze (top 15%). These fantastic results reflect the hard work, commitment and enthusiasm of our students. Congratulations to everyone who took part, you have represented the school brilliantly!
Jack Petchey Winners
A huge congratulations to the following for being nominated for and elected winners of the final round of Jack Petchey awards for this academic year:
- Arthur in Year 8
- Poppy in Year 10
- Rosalind in Year 11
All three are very worthy winners and we congratulate them on this achievement. They will now decide how the School should spend the £300 and how it will help students.
Curriculum Showcase
Learn Together at Home
Physical Education
We study the importance of a warm up and cool down at all keys stages.
Before taking part in a practical PE lesson, it is important to warm up our bodies so that we are ready for physical activity. Warm up activities may include jogging, stretching and gentle movements to prepare for the lesson. After exercise, it is important to cool down to help our bodies recover after physical activity. Cool down activities may include walking slowly, stretching and controlled breathing exercises. We look discuss the importance of this and how it effects our bodies throughout all key stages.
Can you devise a series of activities to include in a warm up and cool down?
Further thinking KS3: How do we warm up and cool down? What are the different stages of this process?
Further thinking KS4/5: What are the effects of a warm up and cool down? Can you explain the Physiological and Psychological benefits?
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Next week provides important opportunities for our school community to reflect on diversity, understanding and inclusion through a number of significant events.
From 15th to 21st June, Refugee Week takes place across the UK. This is the world’s largest arts and culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. It offers a chance to build understanding by hearing the stories and experiences of those who have been forced to leave their homes, and to recognise the courage it takes to rebuild a life in a new country. Parents and carers can support this learning at home by talking with their children about what it means to be a refugee, exploring why people might have to leave their homes, and encouraging empathy by considering how it would feel to start again somewhere new.
On 18th June, we recognise Autistic Pride Day, an autistic-led celebration of neurodiversity first marked in 2005. The day focuses on recognising autism as a natural and valuable part of human diversity, promoting acceptance, pride and understanding of different ways of thinking and communicating. Families can support this by discussing with their children that everyone experiences the world differently and that these differences should be respected and valued, while also challenging stereotypes and promoting inclusive attitudes.
On 20th June, World Refugee Day provides a further opportunity to reflect. This United Nations international day honours the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee conflict or persecution, while also raising awareness of the challenges they face. It encourages empathy, understanding and action in support of refugees around the world. At home, parents and carers can talk about fairness, safety and human rights in an age-appropriate way, helping children to understand the importance of kindness, respect and inclusion.
These events align closely with this week’s whole school assembly, which focused on diversity and the ways in which it strengthens us as a community. Students explored how diversity enhances creativity, supports more effective problem solving, builds empathy and improves communication. We encourage families to continue these conversations at home so that, together, we can support our young people in becoming thoughtful, inclusive individuals who value and respect the differences that make our world stronger. As usual we are also flying the rainbow flag in the Year 11 playground throughout the month of June.
Sports and PE News
Safety & Awareness
Wellbeing
Earlier this year, The Daniel Spargo‑Mabbs Foundation delivered a session to our Year 9 cohort, supporting students to make informed, safe choices around drugs and alcohol and to reduce potential harm. Parents and carers are invited to join the webinar “I Wish I’d Known: Young People, Drugs and Decisions – A Guide for Parents/Carers” with Fiona Spargo‑Mabbs on 7th July, available via the Wellbeing Hub. You can register for this event here:
If you have not yet registered for the Wellbeing Hub, please refer to the email sent on 17th November 2025 or contact the main office for a registration link
Student Leadership
Main Assembly
In this week’s assembly, we were treated to a beautiful piano performance from Lucas in Year 7. He showcased incredible talent and confidence — performing in front of the whole school is no small feat, and we are very grateful to him for sharing his music with us.
Main Assembly
Last week in assembly, Erin, Ryan and Tetiana from Year 10 delivered a thoughtful presentation about the English Debate Club. We are grateful to them — and to Mrs Millar — for giving their time and for providing us with an engaging insight into the topics the club has explored this year.
Work Related Learning
Year 10 and Year 12 Work Experience Placements – Important Update for Parents/Carers
We are now in the final stages of approving work experience placements for Year 10 and Year 12 students.
Please be reminded that no student will be permitted to attend a placement unless all required documentation has been fully completed and the school has approved the placement. This includes submission of the following via Unifrog:
- Student Initial Form
- Employer Form
- Parent/Guardian Agreement
All three forms must be completed in full, the placement risk assessed and approved by the school before a placement is authorised.
As we continue to support students who have not yet secured placements, we have identified that there are some students who have arranged placements but have not yet uploaded the necessary information to Unifrog. Without this, the administrative approval process cannot begin, and placements cannot go ahead.
If your child has already secured a placement, please ensure that they complete the necessary steps on Unifrog as soon as possible to avoid any delays or disappointment. If in doubt, students can log in to Unifrog and identify the current stage of their placement.
Original deadlines have passed and have been extended on many occasions. We are no longer able to guarantee that students can attend work experience placements if there are outstanding forms/new applications submitted after Monday, 15th June (Year 10) and Monday, 22nd June (Year 12).
Thank you for your continued support.
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.