Fourteen students in Years 9-13 have recently returned from an extraordinary Maths-based educational seminar in Disneyland Paris.

For the second year in a row, A Level Photography student, Adam B, pictured here, has been commended for his outstanding photography work by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

Students are once again celebrating after another successful year of Sixth Form study. Year 13 students have achieved particularly well and all students have gained the necessary qualifications to support them as they move into Higher Education, training or employment.

A Level Law students have recently enjoyed a visit from representives of Durham University's Law School, who came to discuss the opportunities open to them should they choose to pursue a career in Law.

Following nomination by a number of our Sixth Form students for the Journal's prestigious North East Schools Awards 2014, Linda Dixon was declared winner in the category of Support Worker of the Year.

Sixth Form Media students have recently enjoyed a Re-ball and Climbing Wall taster session at the Academy organised by the Consett and District YMCA.

Mr Shearer, our Head of Sixth Form's "Aim Higher' initiative gives students in Years 9-13 an opportunity to visit universities across the UK to get a taste of student life. Trips take place throughout the year to cities including London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Liverpool.

In July, Gunther Von Hagens' astounding exhibition, Body Worlds Vital, launched at Newcastle's Life Centre, showcasing human anatomy on real bodies, which have all undergone Gunther's method of plastination. Sixth Form students from Biology, Applied Science, Phsychology and Health-and-Social Care were among the first to visit the exhibition.

Our Performing Arts Department, under the creative direction of Miss Howard, is known for innovative performances. Last term was no exception, as A-Level students in Year 13 performed two exciting and colourful pieces as part of their coursework.

Linda Dixon, our Academy Support Worker, who was nominated by over 20 of our Sixth Form students to receive an award, has reached the final of the North East Schools Awards, which celebrates excellence in education. Linda is one of three finalists in the category of "School Support Staff of the Year'.