This month, we organised a host of activities for students in Years 7-10 as part of Active Community Engagement week (ACE) at King James. From volunteering in our community to interviewing local Councillors, taking part in alcohol awareness workshops to gaining an insight into our Fire and Rescue Service, students were extremely busy.

The week-long programme of activities focused on encouraging young people to get more involved in their local community by taking part in youth forums to help shape the future of their town, and by helping to improve their community through projects such as litter picking and gardening.

The week began with a workshop for Year 7's designed to raise awareness of the dangers of alcohol. The project was about delivering a positive message to young people and empowering them to make informed choices. Students took part in a slogan competition and designed a promotional t-shirt with the winning design made into a prototype by Mrs Ashman.

Year 9 students were visited by a number of Town and County Councillors for a vibrant Democracy Project which saw students express their opinions on a variety of topics that concern teenagers, and question the visitors on the future of Bishop Auckland. Councillors spoke of Durham County Council's plans to create a Youth Council to help improve the town and invited our students to get involved. Members of the Academy Council were also visited by Helen Goodman MP who spoke candidly about her route into politics and her passion for the area.

Year 8 students were treated to a fascinating activity-based talk from members of the Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, who came to King James in Fire engines and support vehicles. Students learned about the vehicles and equipment and had the opportunity to try on a firefighter's suit, complete with oxygen tank.

Later in the week, students took part in a number of activities to benefit the local community, such as litter picking in and around King James, and gardening at both the Academy and Binchester Roman Fort, where they worked hard to tidy the verges and hedgerows at the local tourist attraction.

Students also collected food throughout the week, which they delivered to the charity organisation, Durham Foodbank. This visit had a powerful impact on our students. Year 7 student, Paige H said:"There was a lot of food at the food bank. I was dumfounded when I saw it all but it needs a lot to keep the project going and to keep the county happy, healthy and NOT hungry. When I was sorting out the food I was thinking that it would really help a family in need." Neave C said after the visit: "Some adults miss meals because they need to feed their family. When we were sorting the food into piles I kept thinking that it would go to a lovely home and that the whole family would not go hungry that night. It made me feel proud to be involved."

Other projects involved a visit to Auckland Castle, a local gem that is so often overlooked, and workshops with the Police and a variety of community groups.

ACE week was a huge success and one which we intend to develop into an annual event. We would like to express our sincere thanks to all members of our community and local services who kindly agreed to take part.