British photographer and author, Joe Cornish is one of the most famous commercial photographers in the world. Known for his dramatic landscapes, he is responsible for the photography in more than 30 travel books, has worked as an expedition photographer in Alaska and regularly works freelance for the National Trust.

Our 'Extreme Group' members at King James I Academy had the privilege of meeting Paralympic Fencer, Craig McCann as part of Sky Sports' Living for Sport - Youth Sport Trust.

Last term, 40 of our Sixth Form students successfully completed First Aid Training in an initiative organised by Dawn Hindmarch, our Health and Wellbeing Co-ordinator. This recognised qualification is highly valued by both universities and potential employers.

Retro music lovers enjoyed a musical journey back to the 80s last night at Bishop Auckland Town Hall thanks to our music students. The concert, which was organised by Sixth Formers as part of their BTEC studies, included classics from Madonna, Rick Astley, Chaka Khan, Fleetwood Mac and Cindy Lauper, among others.

Sixth Form Creative Media Production students have recently visited Lintons Printers in Crook to learn about commercial printing processes as part of their BTEC studies.

As part of our commitment towards promoting a healthy lifestyle among our young people and our wider community, we have registered with the Food for Life Partnership with the aim of achieving the Gold Award.

Ten of our Year 11 students have recently spent the day shadowing store colleagues at Asda in Bishop Auckland as part of a project looking at employability skills. The project was organised by Mrs Dent, our Director of Career Pathways and Progression Tutor, Ms Goddard.

Year 12 students have recently attended the Tees Valley UCAS Convention, which was held at Teesside University, to investigate the range of courses on offer at universities across the UK. The market-place style conference allowed students to talk to representatives about the courses and facilities at over 100 campuses and access a host of valuable additional information in one venue.

Forty of our Sixth Form students will soon have an additional qualification to add to their CV thanks to our Health & Wellbeing Coordinator, Dawn Hindmarch.

Music students in Years 11 and 12 have been reviving the sounds of the "80s in preparation for a themed concert, which will be held at Bishop Auckland Town Hall in May. "Back to the "80s' will feature classics such as Madonna's "Get into the Groove', Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give you Up' and Womack and Womack's "Footsteps'; combined with a themed disco it will certainly be a night to remember!