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'.

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.

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.

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!

Last term, 11 students in Years 9-13 took the ABRSM Grade 1 Music Theory exam for the first time at King James and all passed with flying colours