30 students in Year 9 have returned from a five-day trip to Normandy in France with Academy Librarian, Mr Wheatley, our Director of Learning for Languages, Miss Stephenson and History Teacher, Miss Broadbent. The trip combined opportunities for students to develop their language skills with learning about French culture and World War II history.

Year 7 Religious Studies students have attended the Bible Times Exhibition at the Wear Valley Christian Centre. This annual event is hosted by Reverend Bob Woods.

Bishop Auckland Town Council’s Youth Awards is designed to give recognition to outstanding young people in Bishop Auckland. This year, we are proud to announce that our students won four awards!

King James I Community has one main aim this upcoming season - to empower the clubs, groups and businesses that they work with.

The growth of generative AI tools like ChatGPT has opened up exciting new opportunities for young learners. Used wisely, AI can be a powerful ally in boosting creativity, learning and problem-solving skills. However, without proper guidance, young people may stumble into challenges including inaccurate information, data security risks, and a growing reliance on AI over their own critical thinking.

This year, students in Years 9, 10 and 12 have earned one of the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Bronze or Silver Awards following completion of tasks in four main sections of the programme: Volunteering, Physical, Skills, and Expedition.

In June, at the end of the GCSE exam season, we celebrated the hard work of our students with the annual Year 11 Leavers’ event.

Eight students in Years 7-9, who are all members of our lunchtime Carnegie Book Club, have travelled by train to London with our Librarian, Mr Wheatley to attend the Carnegie Book Awards ceremony at the Cambridge Theatre. Throughout the academic year, students read and discuss the nominated books, before submitting a vote for their favourite.

We understand that the transition from primary to secondary school can be worrying for some youngsters, and for that reason we have an extensive programme of activities that are specifically designed to ensure pupils are confident and looking forward to joining us at King James from day one.

Students in Years 7-9 have attended a series of educational workshops delivered by the Foundation of Light, the official charity of Sunderland AFC.