Details from the superb efforts from students in all year groups at the Martin Gray Football Academy tournament at Longfield.

Our Art department continues to go from strength to strength due to its strong teamwork and inspirational ethos. The department continues to develop as a cutting edge team at the forefront of Art and Design education and we are very proud to report that, last term, it has been judged as ‘Outstanding’ by the LEA Inspector (Local Education Authority).

Year 11 students have visited the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh to interview the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Mr Kenny MacAskill MSP. The students are all members of the editorial team who write and design Exclaimer magazine, a free online national publication launched as a platform for aspiring journalists and graphic designers to showcase their talents.

Following confirmation that Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd will build King James I Academy as part of the Priority Schools Building Programme (PSBP) we have met with representatives of the company, 'Space Group', who will be the designers of our new school and the Education Funding Agency (EFA).

A group of students have recently travelled to the beautiful city of Liverpool to explore two of the universities. All students are currently studying Drama and Performing Arts subjects at King James and this was an opportunity for them to see what progression routes are available when they leave Sixth Form.

Our Sixth Form is growing rapidly and so is our provision. This September will see improved study and social facilities and an even greater choice of subjects.

Ireland 2013 was an amazing week of friendship, fun and laughter for King James students who are members of the Bishop Auckland Theatre Hooligans. Over 40 young people along with 13 staff and volunteers stayed for the 7th year running in the beautiful village of Glengarriff in County Cork.

Three months ago, we welcomed Brazilian student, Ana Carolina Krambeck into our Sixth Form at King James on a short-term study programme. Sadly, the time has come to say farewell. We wish Ana Carolina a safe journey home and hope she will visit us again in the future. Here, she talks about her experience.

Our English department is successful, creative and constantly exploring new ways to make sure that our students excel. Since joining us in 2011, Miss Larkin has thoroughly embraced this ethos; she has made a huge contribution to the development of the department, and a big impression on her students too. Last term, she was appointed as Assistant Director of Learning for English.

Members of the Editorial Team who write, design and produce the national online magazine, Exclaimer at King James I Academy, are off to Edinburgh to meet and interview Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Kenny MacAskill, MSP for Edinburgh Eastern.