The Darrick Wood Way
Parent Bulletin
“Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think!”
– Albert Einstein –
Message from the Head Teacher
Welcome to this latest edition of the Darrick Wood Way Parent Bulletin. As mentioned previously we knew this term would be a busy one, as proven by all the news shared here this week. I hope you enjoy reading about it. I would like in particular to congratulate students who have contributed in any way to our charity fundraising this term so far. It was great to see such enthusiasm for Children In Need last week. I would also like to send a big thank you and well done to all involved in our School Production this week. We were thoroughly entertained by their performance of the Little Mermaid. The students worked so hard and will have created fantastic memories of their involvement in this. Thank you also to the staff who volunteer their time to ensure it all comes to together on the night.
Screening arches
Thank you for your supportive messages this morning regarding the screening arches and searches. These were carried out in accordance with Department for Education guidance and our own policies. It was unfortunate the planned date coincided with colder weather, but it was important we still went ahead as other secondary schools have already undertaken similar approaches successfully and I want our school community to feel as safe as possible. I want to emphasise that the screening and searching was not in response to any recent incidents or information received relating to our school.
Overall, the process ran very well, especially bearing in mind we are the largest secondary school locally. We have learned a lot about the process and how to make it more efficient next time. This morning we had to make the decision shortly before the first lesson to stop searching all bags and focus only on the screening arches. This ensured everyone got to lessons on time.
It is a shame that we live in a world where this is required to make schools as safe as possible, but we were delighted with how our students conducted themselves. We hope that next time it will be more familiar to them now they have experienced the process.
Reminders
- We have noted an increase in students whose Parent Pay accounts have not been topped up. Please can I respectfully remind all parents/carers to check the account regularly and top up as required. There is a facility to auto top-up and to set a low balance alert.
- Aerosols (including deodorants), chewing gum and energy/caffeinated drinks are amongst the more minor items noted and confiscated this morning. Please remind your child to look at their copy of the School Rules in the Contact Book where prohibited items are listed.
Attendance Focus
94.7%
Form Attendance
Congratulations to 7XL, 8XW, 9XS, 10YD and 11YM for achieving the top attendance in their year groups since half term.
Reading Recommendations
Click below for details
Previous Bulletins
Upcoming Events
28/11/2024 – Pathways 2024 – 6.00pm to 7.30pm – Click here for more information
25/11/2024 to 06/11/2024 – Year 11 Mock Examinations
04/12/2024 – Year 12 Parents’ Evening
06/12/2024 – Year 7 PSFA disco
9/12/2024-13/12/2024 – Festive Week
The Creative Writing Club has re-started on Tuesdays in En6 from 1:30. All students with an interest in writing are welcome. Mentored by Year 12 Shubhan and hosted by Ms Vos.
20/12/2024 – End of term
06/01/2025 – Start of spring term
Useful Links
Highlights of the fortnight
This week in assembly we were treated to Harry in Year 13 singing one of his solo songs from āThe Little Mermaidā our School Production as a taster for things to come. Harry plays Prince Eric and sang āFrom Now On.ā He was amazing as always and we thank him for efforts with this.
Bromley Foodbank
We would like to thank all of you who supported Bromley Borough Foodbank this Harvest season. Your generous donation of 68 kg will enable them to continue supporting those in need in our community
On Friday, 15th November, fifty Year 12 and Year 13 students had the exciting opportunity to attend the What Career? Ā What University? Live event at Olympia, London.
The Exhibition Hall was bustling with energy as employers and Higher Education providers showcased a diverse range of industries and career pathways. Our students eagerly engaged with exhibitors, exploring their options and gaining invaluable insights into potential future pathways.
Throughout the day, students attended inspiring talks led by prestigious employers such as the NHS and Network Rail. Representatives from renowned universities, including the University of Cambridge, also provided guidance on academic routes and application strategies.
The event proved to be an invaluable experience, leaving students with a clearer understanding of how to navigate their next steps. From exploring apprenticeships to perfecting UCAS applications, students gained practical tips to help them achieve their aspirations.
We are proud of our studentsā enthusiasm and commitment to planning their futures and look forward to supporting them as they embark on these exciting journeys.
DWS Audio
Last week BBC Radio Kent broadcast the second part of our new audio drama serial āEnquiry Agentsā on Leo Ulphās Upload show. You can listen to it on BBC Sounds via the link on our DWS Audio blog: āEnquiry Agentsā on BBC Radio Kent ā DWS Audio
Congratulations to our fabulous cast (Alex, Anthony, Casey and Lily) and to Guillermo Martinez Munoz for composing the theme music.
Our fantastic Sixth Form Reading volunteers have started reading with Year 7 students this week. They had a training session with Mrs Millar last week – thinking about how reading works (itās complicated!) and how to share their own love and enthusiasm for reading. Selected Year 7 students will have a 1:1 reading session in the Reading Realm, supervised by our Reading Coordinator Ms Jacobs over the year. We have got off to a fantastic start with 7XB and 7XF. Ā Well done to Year 7 and to our Sixth Form volunteers!
On Thursday, 10th October, dancers in Years 11, 12 and 13 took part in a choreography workshop led by the Birdgang founder and choreographer Simeon Qseyeh. The workshopās objective was to model different choreographic processes to secure studentsā understanding of how to independently choreograph ahead of their choreography component. During the workshop the students were led through a series of practical activities that explained and modelled how a choreographic intention can be translated into ideas for movement, learning how meaning can be communicated through movement. The students learnt how a simple phrase or motif be developed and manipulated using a variety of tools. The workshop concluded with the GCSE and A level students asking Simeon for his creative advice and feedback on their own choreography work giving a professional take on their ideas. Well done to all the dance students for their effort and outstanding attitude.
This week we were treated to four performances of this year’s School Production – āThe Little Mermaid.āĀ On Tuesday, we had Years 5 and 6 from Darrick Wood Junior School come and watch a matinee performance. They were all very excited before, and even more excited afterwards! They had an amazing time and were very complementary of our cast.Ā The evening performances were Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and were spectacular, each night outdoing the previous. Congratulations to all the cast for their hard work and dedication, focus and drive and most of all their amazing talents that were on display. So much time is given to make this show and its always such a joy to watch so many of our students smiling and working together. A special mention has to go to our leads this year; Orla, Harry, James, Lucy, Noah, Olivia, Georgia-Mae, Georgina, Lily, Toby and Emily for their outstanding performances. Thank you to all who came to watch, those who helped behind the scenes and the dedicated staff from Dance, Drama and Music for their time, effort and enthusiasm.Ā We cannot wait until next year!
Curriculum Showcase
One hundred of our students from Years 11, 12 and 13 were entered by the Mathematics Faculty for the United Kingdom Maths Trust (UKMT) Senior Maths Challenge in October. A huge well done to all of them for participating, and congratulations to those students who achieved bronze, silver, and gold certificates. š
We look forward to the Intermediate and Junior Maths Challenges later in the academic year.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25th November)
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women highlights the urgent need to address and prevent gender-based violence in all its forms. It is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of respect, equality, and allyship, encouraging us all to speak out against injustice and support those affected.
This week, Year 9 were given the opportunity to watch Narrative Alchemyās āUnacceptableā, a drama performance aimed at raising awareness, kick-starting conversations and promoting cultural change aroundĀ sexism, misogyny, sexual harassment and sexual violence.
Sports and PE News
BOYS:
- Year 7 boys unfortunately crashed out of both the Kent and National cups to a strong Welling and Eden Park opposition. They also lost in the Bromley league to Eden Park.
- Year 8 boys lost to Eden Park in the Bromley League
- Year 9 boys beat Harris Orpington in the Bromley League
- Year 10 boys are doing really well. They have recently beaten Harris Orpington and Bullers Wood in the Bromley league. Unfortunately, they lost to a strong Beths opposition in the Kent Cup.
- This means we have no Boys teams left in cups, but they are still competing in the Bromley Leagues with Bromley cups on the horizon!
GIRLS:
- Year 7 girls crashed out of the Kent cup in extra time to Bexleyheath. But they beat Rainham in the National cup and have Sydenham in the next round within the next fortnight! Winning this game would put them in the last 32 of the National cup which is exciting!
- Last week the Year 8 girls were out all day at the Utilita National competition. We were 0-2 in the semi-final and managed to bring things back and win on penalties to reach the final. They then narrowly lost to Bullers Wood 0-1 in the final, but the girls were a credit to the School and worked very hard all day. The Year 8 girls are still fighting in both the Kent cup and National cup with both next rounds being played in the next fortnight.
- Year 9 girls crashed out of both cups very narrowly on penalties to Rainham and 0-3 to Bullers. They will be looking to bounce back in the Bromley Cup in January.
- Year 10 girls lost to Bullers Wood quite heavily in the Kent Cup but we were fairly depleted on the day.
On Wednesday, 6th November the Bromley Schools Cross Country was held at Darrick Wood School. 12 schools took part and it is the selection process for the Kent schools which will be held in January.
Darrick Wood students were entered in all races with the best results coming from Izzy P placing 6th in the Junior girls race (she has another year in this age group), Holly AS placing 12 again another year in this age group and Poppy A coming 13th.Ā The team finished 3rd overall behind Bullers Wood and Bromley High School.Ā In the Inter boys Anthony A placed 6th and Anabelle W placed 8th in the Inter girls.Ā All these athletes have been selected for the Kent Schools.
Safety & Awareness
This week the focus on the PSHE leaflets is āBuild Emotional Resilienceā and āChoose Respect.āĀ Both of these are so important in our students and cover both one of our Values and Life Skills. We try and promote both in and out of our lessons and I think you will find this information really useful if you look at it with your child.
Click below for details
Click below for details
Wellbeing
Supporting parents with anxiety, stress, or low mood
Bromley NHS Talking Therapies service (formerly Talk together Bromley) is available to anyone 18 years and older who lives in Bromley or is registered with a Bromley GP.Ā The team consists of psychotherapists, counsellors, psychological wellbeing practitioners, and employment advisors.Ā They offer a range of talking therapy treatments and online therapy for adults with common mental health problems.Ā Appointments, sessions and groups are available between the hours of 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Parents should self-refer online or by phone.
- Telephone:Ā 0300 003 3000
- E-mail:Ā bromh.talkingtherapies@nhs.net
- Website: https://www.bromleytalkingtherapies.nhs.uk/
Student Leadership
Last week our Charity Ambassadors were hard at work promoting and selling merchandise for Children in Need.Ā A special thank you goes to Ella and Iris from Year 10 and Poppy from Year 12 who were busy every day at break and lunch helping.Ā Year 7 held a bake sale on the Friday, which was very popular, and helped with the money raising as well.Ā Thank you to everyone who donated. We raised Ā£1350!
Work Related Learning
Pathways 2024
The Careers Department are hosting a Pathways event on the evening of Thursday, 28th November 2024, from 6.00pm until 7.30pm in the Dining Halls. All students in Years 10 to 13 are invited to come along with their parents/carers.
The evening will provide a useful insight into post-16 and post-18 pathway options.Ā We have over 40 exhibitors confirmed including a range of employers and Further and Higher Education providers. Exhibitors have kindly agreed to volunteer their time to support our event and will be showcasing pathway options available including further training and education as well as apprenticeships.
The evening will operate on a ādrop inā basis however so that we have an idea of the numbers to expect, please confirm your attendance using this form.
We look forward to seeing you at this informative event.
Monthly Parent and Carer Guide to Apprenticeships
As a school, we work closely with Amazing Apprenticeships who is a leading organisation in the education sector, working with schools, colleges and employers, tackling misconceptions and promoting the benefits of apprenticeships. Please find below a link to the November 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.
Trips and Visits Round-up: September - November 2024
What an action-packed start to the academic year it has been for our students at Darrick Wood School! Since September, students have taken part in a wide range of exciting trips and visits, broadening their horizons and bringing their classroom learning to life. Hereās a sample of what some students have already experienced this term:
A Shakespearean Adventure at the Globe Theatre
Year 13 English Literature students enjoyed an unforgettable trip to the iconic Globe Theatre to see a captivating performance of Antony and Cleopatra. This timeless tragedy, a key text in their studies, was brought to life with dynamic staging and powerful performances, leaving students inspired and ready to delve even deeper into their analysis.
Duke of Edinburgh Expeditions
Our Duke of Edinburgh participants have been busy embracing the great outdoors. In September, 87 Year 11 students embarked on their Bronze Award practice expedition at Cudham Shaws, where they honed their map-reading, camping, and teamwork skills. Shortly after, they tackled the assessed expedition at Southwalk Waylands, showing impressive resilience and determination as they completed their final challenge.
Business Studies at Greenwich Maritime Museum
Sixth Form Business students visited the Greenwich Maritime Museum to enrich their Level 3 Business coursework. The trip allowed them to explore the history of trade and enterprise, providing a unique perspective on business and its links to the past. Students came away with fresh insights and plenty of inspiration for their assessed coursework.
Drama Delights: The Play That Goes Wrong
Drama students from across various year groups enjoyed a brilliant opportunity to see The Play That Goes Wrong. This award-winning comedy had students in laughter while also showcasing the intricate craft of live theatre, giving students plenty of creative ideas to bring back to their own performances, and hopefully inspire many more to take part in our wonderful school productions.
Iceland: A Geographerās Paradise
Year 12 and 13 Geography students embarked on a five-day adventure to Iceland, exploring some of the worldās most breathtaking natural wonders. From the cascading Gullfoss waterfall to the bubbling geysers and the mesmerising landscape, students gained first-hand experience of the spectacular geographical features theyāve been studying. This trip truly highlighted the power and beauty of the natural world. One student described the visit as the āBest holiday that Iāll ever go onā!
Hereās to more inspiring trips and visits in the months ahead!