Darlington 11-19
Practitioner Newsletter
Issue 20, January 2016
© Darlington 11-19 Partnership
Welcome
In This Issue…
Welcome to the latest 11-19 practitioner newsletter;
I'm proud to say that yet again it showcases the
amazing achievements of a whole host of young
people across Darlington. This is testament to the
hard work of colleagues from a wide range of
providers across the town and this work
characterises the unique collaborative spirit that
exists amongst stakeholders.
This collaborative spirit is more important than
ever as once again we face a period of curriculum
and assessment change across the educational
sector. I am confident that this spirit
of collaboration will continue in 2016
and colleagues will continue to go the "extra mile"
to provide a wide range of opportunities to allow
Darlington's students to optimise their potential
across a range of activities.
Congratulations to all the young people for their
achievements in 2015 and I look forward to seeing
these being built upon in 2016.
Dean Judson
Head teacher,
Hurworth School
Chair, 11—19 Partnership
1

Arkwright Scholarships Trust - Hurworth School

Duke of Edinburgh - Carmel College

Lest We Forget - St Aidan’s C of E Academy

International Recognition - Hummersknott Academy

Success Stories - Learning & Skills

Passing in Parade - Darlington College

Year 11 Careers Event - Education Village

North East Raising Aspiration Partnership - Teesside
University

Chinese Exchange Students - Carmel College

Harvest Festival - St Aidan’s C of E Academy

Careers Update - Darlington College

Cadet Force - Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College

Kays Hill Animal Sanctuary - Hummersknott Academy

The Institution of Civil Engineers - Foundation for Jobs

Success Story - BL Hairdressing

Imperial Chinese Textiles - Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form
College

Sports Presentation Evening - Carmel College

Prize Evening - Hummersknott Academy

Open Days - Teesside University

New Tie - St Aidan’s C of E Academy

Mature student laying foundation - Darlington College

Award for Outstanding Achievement - Queen
Elizabeth Sixth Form College

Year 9 Careers Future Inspirations - Education Village

Keepmoat - Foundation for Jobs

Darlington Cross Country Champions - Hummersknott
Academy
Arkwright Scholarships Trust
Rose Addison, formerly of Hurworth School, was awarded a
sought-after Arkwright Engineering Scholarship recently at a
ceremony in Glasgow. It was hosted by the Institution of
Engineering & Technology and sponsored by the Rail Industry,
led by Network Rail, Carillion and Colas Rail. Rose was
presented with her Arkwright Scholarship by Principal Guest
Hugh Gill, Chief Technology Officer of Touch Bionics and a
member of the Scottish Engineering Hall of Fame with 14
patents to his name. Rose also met the organisation that is
sponsoring her Scholarship for the next two years – William
Leech.
The Arkwright Engineering Scholarships support young people from across the UK who have the
potential to be industry’s future leaders in engineering. During their sixth form studies, scholars receive
£600 to support their technical courses and have access to a range of exciting opportunities to learn more
about engineering, such as mentoring and company visits. Schools receive £400 per Scholarship awarded
to their students.
Scholars are selected following a rigorous selection process comprising a detailed application form
supported by a teacher’s reference, a two-hour aptitude exam and an interview hosted at a top
engineering university. From a pool of 30,000 eligible students, this year teachers endorsed the
applications of 1,559 students. 397 Scholarships were eventually awarded.
Dr Martin Thomas, Chief Executive of the Arkwright Scholarships Trust, said, “I have been hugely
impressed by the creativity, technical skills and leadership prowess of the young men and women
receiving their Scholarships this year. The country needs 100,000s of new engineers to take the economy
and society forward but some of these newly-trained people need to also act as outstanding leadership
beacons within industry and academia. The Arkwright Engineering Scholarships are the first step on that
road to achieving such a vital position within the UK engineering profession. Congratulations to Rose and
all of our new Scholars!”
Duke of Edinburgh
This year the Duke of Edinburgh Award received an
unprecedented record number of applicants which
resulted in two groups of twenty four Year 10 students from
Carmel College embarking on the scheme. On 26th
September 2015 the first group of students, some with packs
almost as large as them, set off in the autumn sunshine for
two hard days walking for their Bronze practice expedition.
By the evening they were tired but cheerful as they cooked
their evening meal. After a very cold night they then walked
for the second day across the Cleveland Hills. The second
group will be doing their practice in the Spring.
2
Lest We Forget
Students paused to reflect on the countless servicemen who have been
killed and injured in the line of duty. More than 600 paper poppies
were handed to students at a special act of worship staged at St Aidan’s
C of E Academy.
Year 7-11 students were given the chance to think about what the
Armistice Day symbol means to them before writing a message on a
poppy that will form part of an art installation being constructed in
tribute to the fallen and those who live with the consequences of war.
Director of Learning RE, Rebecca Windross, led the act of worship, helped by Year 7 students, a special
service of remembrance that included the playing of the Last Post and videos featuring the work of the
Royal British Legion. She said, “It is important that we pray for those who still suffer as a result of conflict
around the world. We started researching remembrance services weeks ago, talking about the modern
use of the poppy and why our children may choose to wear them.”
Principal Nicole Gibbon said, “St Aidan’s took part in the two minutes silence on Armistice Day and
following on from our own remembrance worship, the poppies will now form a huge Tower of
London-style display that we can use every year. This is not just about remembering the fallen, of world
wars last century, but those who live on with injuries sustained during recent conflicts and the members
of the Armed Forces who continue to work tirelessly to keep us all safe. Students have been so amazing,
so reverent and moved by the whole experience. They appreciate the relevance of the poppy today, that
staff here have family in the Forces and that we have such an active and well supported cadet force.”
International Recognition
Hummersknott Academy was recently successful in being re-accredited with the British Council
International School Award for the third time.
This accreditation lasts for 3 years and is given in recognition of the outstanding range of international
education in school. It is a badge of honour for schools which foster an international dimension in the
curriculum and develop young people to gain the
cultural understanding and skills they need to live
and work as global citizens. Our international work
includes links with partner schools overseas,
collaborative curriculum-based work across a range of
subjects, international outreach work in local
primaries and the wider community and we are a
Fairtrade school.
Mr Keating, Mrs Wells and two Year 11 students
attended a ceremony in Newcastle to receive the
award and the school was highly commended by the
British Council for maintaining a high level of
international work.
3
Learning & Skills Success Stories
Darlington Borough Council Learning & Skills Service offers
Apprenticeships, Diplomas and the ‘Elev8’ programme for young people
post-16. Here are a couple of examples of what our young people have
done:
Caleb Lowther joined Learning & Skills in February 2013 on a Foundation
Learning Programme. After undertaking activities in the joinery workshop,
Caleb decided he would like to become a joiner. He progressed to the Level
2 Site Carpentry Diploma programme in September 2013.
Initially, Caleb lacked confidence in his ability. However through mentoring
and discussions with his tutor, Caleb grew in confidence and felt able to
complete some work experience with a local building firm, CS Joinery and
Building Services Ltd.
Through his placement and from the training received at Learning & Skills,
Caleb began to thrive, and his confidence and skills improved greatly. He impressed CS Joinery and
Building Services with his attitude towards his work and Caleb was then offered an Apprenticeship by the
company as a Site Joiner.
Caleb has since completed his Intermediate Apprenticeship in Site Carpentry in September 2015 and has
continued with his learning by progressing onto the Advanced Apprenticeship programme whilst also
managing to support his young family.
Caroline Towers embarked on a Level 2 Business and Administration Apprenticeship in September 2013
with Learning & Skills after completing A-levels at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College.
She says “I decided to start at Level 2 in order to gain two years’ experience within the HR department at
Darlington Borough Council to increase my chances of gaining employment in a HR discipline after my
Apprenticeship. Level 2 consisted of a Technical Certificate combined with the NVQ where I sat online
exams, produced written responses to questions and produced a portfolio of evidence for my chosen
units. I really enjoyed specific projects such as delivering a presentation on Probation, as this developed
my confidence and I also enjoyed being observed in my workplace. I then progressed on to Level 3 and
chose new units that I felt would challenge what I already learnt. I now work for Hitachi Rail in Newton
Aycliffe as an HR Assistant and am completing my Level 5 Diploma in Human Resource Management.
For those who are unsure about university and whether that is the right choice for
them, I would definitely recommended taking an apprenticeship route as you gain
real life experience and master some valuable skills. Business and Administration
opens up so many doors and you can discover what area best suits you as an
individual to pursue a career in!”
For further information about the courses offered to young people, please contact
Learning & Skills on (01325) 248021 or see www.darlington.gov.uk/learningandskills.
4
Passing in Parade
A former Darlington College student has
celebrated a significant milestone in her military
career.
Naval Airman (Aircraft Handler) (NAAH)
Charlotte Cooke, 22, from Harrogate Hill in
Darlington was the only female in the group of
twenty aircraft handlers who celebrated their
‘Passing in Parade’ at Royal Naval Air Station
Culrose in Cornwall after six months of intensive
training.
Charlotte, who began her career on a Public
Services course at the College had to train hard
to compete with the rest of her group, but
welcomed the challenge.
Charlotte said, “After doing my A levels I was unsure about what direction to take. Completing my
Public Service course at Darlington College gave me an insight into military life which I really enjoyed,
my tutors encouraged me to apply for the Navy and supported me in preparation for interviews and tests,
their support has certainly helped me achieve my ambition to be where I am now. It means a lot to be here
today, being the only girl can be challenging, and I’ve had to push myself hard, but it’s been worth it. It
has been six months of intensive work but it has all been worth it.”
Her mum Carol said the family were incredibly proud of Charlotte’s achievements and her determination
to succeed in her career. “Charlotte is so motivated and so determined that she wasn’t in the slightest bit
daunted by being the only female. She is an amazing girl and her career will go from strength to
strength.”
Giving out the awards, Royal Navy Commander Jonathan Bird, addressed the crowd and said, “The
aircraft handlers are the last contact you have with a ship when you take off, and the first when you
return. They are a welcome sight. The trust we have in our aircraft handlers is not given lightly, but
earned through continued hard work and skills taught here. Aviation can be a dangerous game, but the
future is bright for the Fleet Air Arm and you will all play a vital role.”
The 20 aircraft handlers will now disperse and go onto various units and ships across the globe. They will
play an essential role on the flight decks of the Royal Navy’s two new aircraft carriers. Some have been
selected to work on the future Aircraft Carrier programme working with the United States Navy at
various Air Stations throughout America.
Public Services tutor Gary Paxton said Charlotte always stood out for her effort during her two-year
course at the college. “The military was a natural choice for Charlotte and I had no doubt at all that she
would excel in her chosen career. The College is very proud of her and we will watch her achievements
with pride,” he said.
5
Year 11 – Career and Choices Event
The Education Village held a Career and Choices event for all our students
to highlight what is on offer in Darlington and our surrounding areas
when they leave school. The event was well attended with Darlington,
Middlesbrough, East College Durham, Stockton Riverside, Askham Bryan,
Queen Elizabeth and Polam Hall Colleges attending. Along with ITEC,
Raising Aspiration linked to our local universities and also South West
Durham Training and DBC Learning & Skills to name a few. Excellent
feedback was given by providers on the interest shown by our students
and the questions that they were asking. It was an excellent evening.
Year 11 students have also had the opportunity to listen to assemblies from
all local colleges and training providers in November which have been
followed with two full application days. The colleges and providers have
also been into school to give the students the ideal opportunity to be
informed of their choices to allow them to choose correctly.
Students have said that this is a great opportunity to find out what is out there and also it helps when
completing applications and finding out about what to choose.
North East Raising Aspiration Partnership
The North East Raising Aspiration Partnership (NERAP) is a
collaboration of the five universities in the region (Durham,
Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland and Teesside) working together
to ensure every young person has the opportunity to make informed
decisions about Higher Education.
We are part of the Higher Education Funding Council for England, National Networks for Collaborative
Outreach and our new Partnership website www.NERAP.ac.uk is the officially recognised Single Point of
Contact for outreach provision in the region.
By visiting our new website teachers and advisers can access information about:




Outreach provision delivered at each of our partner universities
Regular updates and resources to support work in school to encourage young people to consider
higher education opportunities
How the Partnership can work with your school through our ‘NERAP Comes to you’ Graduate
Ambassador visit programme
How we are working to support specific vulnerable groups such as looked after young people,
young carers and those with special educational needs or disabilities
For more information about how the North East Raising Aspiration Partnership can support you, please
visit their website at www.nerap.ac.uk, email [email protected] or telephone 0191 208 3128.
6
Chinese Exchange Students
A group of Year 10 students from Carmel
College’s partner school Xinhua High
School, in Tianjin, China, visited the
college last year to experience the life of
British students for a week. On top of
attending the regular curriculum with
their partners, they were also introduced
to some very British traditions, from
baking cupcakes to playing cricket and
netball. Many of the visiting students and
their hosts had taken part the previous
year in the exchange visit to Xinhua. Once
more, strong friendships were built and a
few tears were shed at the farewell party.
Harvest Festival
Students are beginning to reap what they sow as an academy enjoys a resurgence
that is benefiting the community at large.
Darlington residents who need support received a major boost thanks to the
generosity of students at St Aidan’s C of E Academy. A huge collection of tinned
and dried goods was donated during a harvest festival act of worship for St
Columbus Church food bank.
Principal Nicole Gibbon told students, “We have had such tremendous support
from the Darlington community over the past year in particular, so we wanted to
dedicate our harvest festival to a local food bank. Our students wanted to achieve
something collectively to say thank you to Darlington and help the wonderful
community that has helped us.”
St Aidan’s Academy students Liam Newton,
left, and Nicholas Stockton with part of the
food collection to help Darlington’s vulnerable.
Director of Learning Maths, David Spenceley, led the act of worship that
highlighted the plight of people around the world who do not have enough to eat – including residents of
Darlington.
“My grandfather was a farmer and I wanted to be one too,” he said. “I loved the thought of preparing the
land, sowing the seed and nurturing the crops, but I am a teacher not a farmer, though in many ways St
Aidan’s is doing a similar job. It is an environment that is safe and fertile for young minds, where seeds of
knowledge are sown and where outstanding teachers nurture and feed learning to help students progress
and grow.”
School chaplain Martin Stand told students: “It is incredible to think in the 21st century that food banks are
a necessity in Darlington and the rest of the country, but they are, and your contribution will have a real
impact on people’s lives.”
7
Careers Update
Careers staff from across the region have been briefed on the latest opportunities in further education as a
college prepares to celebrate ten years on its hi-tech site. Darlington College staff welcomed guidance
advisers from secondary schools in the town, Teesside and North Yorkshire to an update event on the FE
curriculum and new facilities.
Careers experts were given a tour of facilities and an overview of significant developments at the college,
before taking part in a six-minute speed update carousel with staff from nine curriculum areas. Vice
Principal Carole Todd said, “The college has been undergoing a transformation over the past six to nine
months which has been a very rewarding journey. We are very proud of what we have achieved so far
and were keen to share it with our secondary education colleagues across the region.”
In a question and answer session with a group of learners, delegates were given an honest insight into life
at the college and the benefits of studying in a more adult environment than school. Careers teacher for
Longfield Academy and Darlington School of Mathematics and Science, Gill Smith, said, “This sort of
event is vital as we can talk to students and tutors and get all the information we need on courses and
destinations. This helps us when we go into schools as we have a much clearer picture of what is
available. Education evolves, it is always changing, as are university and job requirements, so it is
important to keep up to date.”
Aspiration and engagement officer for North Shore Academy, Stockton, Gill Sangster added, “We have
students with specific interests so to be able to sit down with college staff is really beneficial. FE colleges
across the Tees Valley offer something different so it is important to give our students a clear
understanding of what is out there.”
For more information on opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk
Careers staff are briefed at an update session at Darlington College
8
Cadet Force at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College
Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College is proud to announce
the foundation of a Combined Cadet Force within the
College. Launched in September, the Combined Cadet
Force is an exciting new initiative for students to develop
employability and life skills.
Captain Steve Regan, the Contingent Commander at QE,
explains, ‘Students who become cadets don’t necessarily
need to aspire to a military career – all will benefit from
what’s on offer. Membership of the Cadet Force will
develop leadership and team working, will promote
initiative, discipline, resourcefulness, self-reliance,
endurance and perseverance. Cadets will benefit from military training expertise and the use of Armed
Service facilities for camps, training weekends, visits and courses. There’ll be an extensive range of
activities on offer such as orienteering, canoeing, adventure training, small bore and full bore shooting.
Initially the contingent will be exclusively Army but it is hope that a RAF section will be developed in the
future.’’
QE’s contingent will wear the Royal Corps of Signals cap badge and will be in partnership with
Darlington School of Maths and Science, sharing the same Contingent Commander and Staff Sergeant
Instructor.
Kays Hill Animal Sanctuary
Hummersknott Academy Year 11 students Caitie Etheridge and
Millie Horner spent their work experience week at Kays Hill
Animal Sanctuary earlier last year.
Whilst there, the students gained an appreciation of how important
funds were to the sanctuary which cares for a multitude of animals
ranging from mice, through raccoons to horses. There is an ongoing
need for money to care for the animals and the upkeep of the
sanctuary.
On their return to school the students asked for support for the
sanctuary. On the casual clothes day at the end of October students
were asked to make a voluntary donation for the sanctuary and
£602.91 was raised, which Caitie and Millie have taken and
presented to the sanctuary on behalf of the students in the Academy.
9
The Institution of Civil Engineers
An MP was able to test for
herself the work of pupils
considering a future in the
engineering sector.
Darlington MP Jenny
Chapman met pupils from
Hurworth School as they
constructed a 14 metre
long suspension bridge
owned by The Institution
of Civil Engineers (ICE)
North East, from scratch
and then carried out the
ultimate test of walking
across it.
Hurworth pupils were
amongst scores of
Darlington school pupils
to attend sessions over an
eight day period delivered by Foundation for Jobs staff and Darlington College, which hosts the activity,
to give children and young people a hands-on example of civil engineering work. It comes as civil
engineering needs to recruit more young people as the economic recovery continues and new
infrastructure projects are rolled out. The sector is facing an impending skills gap with around a third of
the UK’s civil engineers due to retire in the next five to ten years.
Of around 165 pupils from Darlington schools and colleges who took part in the sessions, around a third
were girls and it comes as the engineering sector aims to shake its image as a male dominated profession.
Ms Chapman said, “Pupils, particularly girls, tell me how much they enjoy the problem-solving,
team-building element of this, and I really hope it encourages more young people to think of engineering
as a profession. I am always impressed by this bridge building exercise and the impact it has on young
people making choices about their future. This gives students from all over the town the chance to taste
college life but also to take part in a great engineering exercise.”
Penny Marshall, Director of ICE North East, said, “Our replica bridge is just one of the ways we can show
young people what civil engineering is, and that it has many rewarding career opportunities for college
and university graduates.”
It is the fourth year in a row that ICE has joined forces with Foundation for Jobs which aims to inspire
young people’s interest in engineering and other sectors where a large number of jobs are to become
available in the North-East, and which are facing significant skills gaps.
10
BL Hairdressing
Ellie Smith, a former student of Longfield Academy, started with
BL Hairdressing in 2013 and from day 1 she was keen to learn and
try new techniques. In August 2014 Ellie moved salons to work at
Stones Hairdressing in Darlington.
The salon owner works on a one to one basis with Ellie and
completes weekly training sessions. Ellie has successfully
completed NVQ L2 Hairdressing in August 2015 and has now
started NVQ L3 Hairdressing. Ellie has very clear plans as to
where she would like her career to take her and this makes her
very enthusiastic in everything she does!
Ellie said, “My love for hairdressing is what I enjoy the most and
doing something I am so passionate about makes me so happy to
make everyone else feel good too. In the future I would like to become a BL Assessor and work with other apprentices to achieve
their goals and make them enjoy what I love best!”
Imperial Chinese Textiles
David Rosier, an accredited National Association of Decorative & Fine Arts Societies (NADFAS) lecturer,
visited Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College to deliver two talks on Imperial Chinese Costume and Textiles.
Students were inspired by the beautiful examples of embroidered silk textiles he brought with him from his
personal collection.
David’s lectures on ‘A Journey Through and Beyond the Emperor’s Wardrobe’ provided an insight into
how highly decorative and expertly created costume and textiles were utilised at the Chinese Imperial
Court to give rank and status to the wearer. The sixty Art and Design students who participated were
fascinated to learn how the exquisite, highly decorative insignia and symbols, defined within extensive
regulations, strictly identified where the wearer resided in the twelve power ranks of the Imperial family.
Kath Wiper, Head of the Art Foundation Course at QE, said, “The
response to David’s lectures was extremely positive and the students were
totally engaged and absorbed into the magic of a culture that was
articulated through such specialist knowledge and insight. There was a
great appreciation of the superb textiles that were put on display and
seeing such artefacts in detail was inspirational.’’
This was the first time that David had lectured to a young audience and he
commented, “The students were receptive and respectful of the textiles
and asked pertinent and challenging questions – they were a credit to their
College.’’
11
Sports Presentation Evening
A World Cup winner paid tribute to the stars of the future at a special awards evening at Carmel College
to celebrate sporting success.
England Ladies rugby captain Katy Mclean presented a host of trophies, cups and shields in recognition
of the College’s best ever year in sport. The Darlington Mowden Park RFC fly half, who led England to
their first World Cup success in 20 years in France last year, told students that she had, “never seen so
many trophies and awards won by just one school. There is such an array of sporting talent right here in
this room that the future for sport in our area looks very promising indeed. I know from experience
that sport can be brutal; it can give you the biggest highs and the most devastating lows, but to be a
professional sports person is the best job in the world”.
Individual awards were presented to students from Year 7 to Year 10 for sporting achievements in a host
of disciplines including judo, gymnastics, horse riding, skiing, athletics, cross country, dance, football,
volleyball, rugby, cricket, swimming, badminton, life-saving, rounders, tennis, biathlon, netball, hockey,
table tennis, cycling, sports leadership and diving.
Special awards, chosen by the PE department, were made to individuals who had achieved high levels
of success in their chosen sport, with an extra special award to former Carmel student Leah Kennedy,
captain of Team Northumbria netball team, who has recently been called up to the full England squad.
Carmel’s PE Curriculum Leader, Simon Hannaford, said, “Continuing in the Carmel tradition, this has
been our most successful year in sport ever at district, county, regional and even national level. PE and
sport make people work harder and achieve more and my message to all of our young people is that you
can achieve your dreams here at Carmel.”
12
Prize Evening
Athlete Lewis
Moses inspires sports
Hummersknott Academy was delighted to welcome back students who completed
their
students at Longfield Academy.
GCSEs in the summer to the Annual Prize Evening. Also returning, as guest speaker, was
Pat Howarth, who retired as the Academy’s Executive Principal in August.
The evening, a celebration of the students’ five years in school, began with the presentation
of GCSE certificates followed by subject prizes and finishing with special awards and
honours board prizes.
Several of the honours boards in the Hall date back to 1955, when the school opened on its current site, and
each year the new recipients’ names are added. This year has seen the creation of a new prize and honours
board – the Pat Howarth Award for a student who has made a contribution to the Global Dimension. The
first recipient of the award was Daniel Smart, who, during his time in school, gained GCSEs in French and
Italian and was an ambassador for the school, playing for Hummersknott Badminton Club in matches in
several different countries.
Pat, in his speech, spoke to students about the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and
how it was now the students’ world – his generation had played their part and
not always effectively. It was the young people’s responsibility to become
informed politically and, when old enough, to vote.
The evening ended with a buffet and the opportunity for students to catch up
with each other and with staff, who were interested in what they were doing.
Teesside University Open Days
Part-time open day:
We recognise that part-time study is often fitted around your work,
family and lifestyle commitments and that you will undoubtedly
have a range of questions and individual requirements that you will
want to discuss with our specialists. This popular event gives you
the opportunity to meet with subject specialists and get all the
information you need to know about our courses and the fantastic facilities we have here at Teesside
University.
Postgraduate open day:
Whether you are considering further study to change career, enhance your CV or just for fun, we have a
wide range of courses to suit you, ranging from digital animation to clinical psychology, forensic science to
fraud management. Our staff are available to give you information on our taught postgraduate courses
and research degrees, available full-time and part-time. We will also have staff and students on hand to
give advice on applications, careers, funding and much more.
An open day is to be held on 9 March 2016, 2.00pm - 7.00pm at Middlesbrough campus. For more
information or to book online visit www.tees.ac.uk/opendays or telephone the Department of External
Relations on 01642 342275.
13
New Tie
Students have forged new ties with their learning after being presented with a symbol of care, respect and
responsibility. Year 11 pupils at St Aidan’s C of E Academy, each received their own individual privilege
tie in a special school assembly to mark the final year of their secondary education.
Presenting the ties to the 122 students, head of Year 11 Chris Dodd said, “There has been a lot of
anticipation leading up to our tie ceremony, which is one of our academy’s highest honours and one that
really sets Year 11 students apart. There is real status attached to students who wear the tie, including
respect for themselves, each other and staff, of care for younger students who look up to the older pupils
and also a responsibility to live up to the very high standards that we set here at St Aidan’s. This year’s
group has the chance to be one that breaks the mould, to be the history makers of the future and wearing
the tie shows that they are taking the first steps to making that happen.”
As well as showing seniority within school, the privilege tie, which was designed by students themselves,
is also a passport to the Year 11 school prom and end of year hoody. If any student fails to live up to the
expectations and behavioural standards set by the academy their tie may be removed by the head of year
and all privileges withdrawn.
Head boy Lewis Scott, 15, added, “Wearing the tie is a big honour and it shows that Mrs Gibbon and all of
the teaching staff here really care about us. The whole year group feels really proud to wear the St Aidan’s
uniform and this tie now makes it feel extra special.”
St Aidan’s Academy Year 11 students proudly display their new school privilege tie
14
Mature student laying foundation
A former builder has cemented his future job prospects by retuning to the classroom. Mature student
James McGregor laid the foundations of his future career after completing an HNC in Building Studies at
Darlington College.
James, of Redmire, Wensleydale, has now secured a quantity surveyor traineeship with Interserve and is
working full-time for the multinational support service and construction company. “Living where I do it’s
either working in the trades or farming,” said James, 31. “I worked for a small business based in Hawes,
which employed five builders. Due to the nature of the company we did everything ourselves, renovation,
conversions, new builds and roofing, which meant I had no actual formal training.”
After eight years in the industry, and with a wife and two year old son to support, James decided he
wanted to better his career prospects and approached Darlington College for help. “I was going nowhere
so I just went for it,” said James. “The college was very helpful. My practical knowledge helped me with
some of the subjects but there were a lot of things that I had never really had anything to do with.”
At the three quarter point of his two year part-time course James was approached by Darlington College
tutor Ian Blackhall who informed him that construction company Interserve were looking for a keen
mature student to start as a quantity surveying trainee. James is now an assistant quantity surveyor with
Interserve working at GlaxoSmithKline, Barnard Castle, and in his 4th year studying a BSC Hons Degree at
Northumbria University. “My experience of going back to college was positive,” said James. “If you want
to progress in the construction industry I would recommend the HNC as it gives you a sound knowledge
and is something larger companies look for as a minimum. Self-funding isn’t easy but you need to look at
the bigger picture. I saw it as short-term loss for long-term gain.”
For more information on opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.
Former Darlington College student James McGregor, 31, of Redmire, Wensleydale
15
Award for Outstanding Achievement
QE student, James Crossley, experienced an incredible evening at the UBS
award ceremony in London. Pure Potential, the organisers of the event aim to
raise the aspirations of sixth form students from state schools and help them
achieve their full potential. James was successfully nominated for an award
for his excellent progress at College and his contribution to QE’s Future
Engineers’ Scheme, particularly his involvement in the Greenpower project
when a team of students built an electric car.
At QE James is studying A level Physics, further Maths and Geography and has applied to study
Engineering at Cambridge University. James describes the evening, “It was an amazing experience. The
event was in the UBS building, a tall spire of glass and steel that had an atmosphere of thriving business.
Just seeing the inside such a hugely prestigious financial company was a privilege. We heard from
inspirational guest speakers, had networking sessions and of course there were the awards. It all made me
realise that achievement is only as unreachable as you make it and that anyone at QE can do the same if
they’re driven. Having the chance to learn and practise networking skills was extremely useful and gave me
more confidence for upcoming university interviews. I am so grateful for being given this opportunity and
hope that other QE students are able to do the same.” Before coming to QE James was a pupil at St Aidan’s
C of E Academy.
Year 9 Careers – Future Inspirations
Year 9 Haughton pupils have heard, first hand, the importance of Maths and English in day to day
working life. They were visited by Joe Slater from Waterloo Road who discussed the importance of
English lessons in reading his scripts for shows and plays and how embarrassing it was for him not being
able to pronounce or understand some of the words on them.
We also had Hussain Manawar who is a young Entrepreneur who has recently been accepted to go into
space, his business is online and involves developing You Tube and music sites. The visitors were very
inspirational to our learners and we all had a great afternoon.
16
Keepmoat
A construction firm is giving teenage pupils a first-hand
insight into the wide range of skills required in the sector
by preparing them to pitch their own building projects.
Keepmoat has joined forces with Foundation for Jobs to
launch a construction challenge for Year 9 pupils at the
Education Village which will see them prepare a tender for
a new changing room facility on the playing fields at their
school. Working in teams over the next two months, the
pupils will not only have to prepare designs for the facility but also price up the cost of labour and
materials for the job, as well as demonstrating an understanding of planning regulations.
The challenge was launched last week when the pupils visited Keepmoat’s Central Park development in
Darlington, where the company is building 332 new homes, to gain an understanding of the different
types of job role on site and the work that goes into such a project. They also spent time at the
construction facilities at Darlington College, which is supporting the challenge. The overall aim of the
challenge is to demonstrate to pupils the many varied job roles within the construction sector at a time
when it is facing skills gaps, partly attributed to a perception amongst young people and their parents
that there is a lack of employment opportunities following the economic downturn, when in fact the
opposite is true, with Keepmoat recording turnover of more than £1bn last year. The pupils will make a
final presentation to a judging panel of senior Keepmoat managers in early March.
Foundation for Jobs chairman Councillor Chris McEwan, lead member for Economy at Darlington
Borough Council, said, “The construction sector has been identified as a key growth area in both
Darlington and the wider North-East, but unfortunately there has been a struggle to get that message out
following the recession, at which time house building was obviously badly hit. There is also a need to get
past the idea that the only jobs in construction involve laying bricks, when in fact there are a wide variety
of roles from architects to quantity surveyors and planning experts. This project which is being led by
Keepmoat and Foundation for Jobs aims to challenge those perceptions amongst young people and their
families. I would commend Keepmoat for getting involved and giving up their staff’s time and expertise
to get that message across to young people, hopefully some of whom will go on to develop rewarding
careers in the construction sector.”
Keepmoat employs more than 3,000 staff delivering schemes across 22 regional offices.
The national award winning Foundation for Jobs scheme has worked with more than
5,000 young people aged 10 to 24 since it was launched in 2012 by Darlington Borough
Council, The Northern Echo and The Darlington Partnership of private firms and
public sector organisations. It has also enjoyed support from businesses and
industrialists across the whole North-East region; with a key part of its work being
partnerships with business to run practical activities that challenge school pupils’
views of sectors which are vital for the North-East economy but which are facing skills
gaps. This is often because of perceptions those young people have of the careers open
to them in those industry sectors.
For details on Foundation for Jobs, contact Programme Co-ordinator Owen McAteer at
[email protected] or visit www.foundationforjobs.co.uk.
17
Darlington Cross Country Champions
Hummersknott Academy was delighted to recently retain
the overall town cross country championship title held at
Darlington School of Maths and Science.
The 90 runners from Year 7 to 11 competed for the
Academy in the six races and all contributed to winning the
overall title. A Hummersknott team won four of the six
team races and the boys retained the overall boys’ title too.
Several students qualified to represent Darlington at the
County race in January these were:
Y7 boys
1st John Russell, 8th Harry Wilson
Team 1st
Y7 girls
1st Harriet Rogers, 4th Eve Wilson
Team 1st
Y8/9 boys
3rd George Barber, 4th James Roberts,
10th Rowan Carr, 12th Tom Finney, 14th Max Holmes
Team 2nd
2nd Catherine Roberts, 4th Rebecca Potter,
5th Eve Sinclair, 12th Sophie Ormrod,
13th Keelay Edwards, 16th Katie Taylor
Team 1st
1st Cameron Stainsby, 2nd Matthew McGuire,
4th Luke Sinclair, 5th James LePoidevin,
6th Matthew Dummigan, 11th Aaron King,
15th Dan Godfrey
Team 1st
8th Emily Porter, 16th Rowan Samuel
Team 3rd
Y8/9 girls
Y10/11 boys
Y10/11 girls
Overall results: Boys’ Title 1st,
Girls’ Title 2nd,
Overall Championship 1st
Alasdair Tatham, PE teacher, said “There were so many great performances from so many students and it
was particularly pleasing to see them trying all the way to the finish line. We hope that the Darlington
team will perform equally well in the County race.”
The next issue of the 11-19 Practitioner Newsletter will be published in May 2016. If you have anything
you would like to be featured in the next issue, please send text (and photos if you have them) to:
[email protected] by Friday 15th April 2015.
18