Three of our Sixth Form students transformed themselves into Punk Princesses recently to help raise funds for a new chemotherapy unit at Bishop Auckland Hospital.

We take bullying very seriously here at King James and so we were delighted with the results of this year's confidential student survey, which told us that incidents of bullying in our school are rare.

Staff at King James 1st Academy showed their true class as they convincingly beat a Sixth formers side consisting of current and past pupils, 14-0.

The Mayor of Bishop Auckland, Councillor John Lethbridge, has recently visited King James to plant a tree as part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Students in Years 8, 9 and 10 recently enjoyed a "Sportsability' taster session courtesy of Durham County Leisure's Sportsability team, who provide fun activities for adults and young people with a disability.

It has been non-stop excitement for Paralympic hopeful, Lyndon lately. Not only is he a record breaker but he has also been confirmed as an Olympic Torch Bearer.

The last day of term was a perfect day for washing cars. It was warm and sunny for the hard working members of our Academy Council who slaved away all morning washing and polishing cars to raise money in aid of "Save the Children'.