This term we celebrated the achievements and effort of students in all year groups at our annual Prize Evening event. After two years of virtual celebrations due to covid restrictions, it was excellent to be able to welcome families into our Academy in person once again.

It has been proven that using a variety of techniques for study and revision is best for retention of key information. For this reason we have worked hard to develop a host of retention strategies, and organised specific drop-down days which allow students to try them.

Our teachers have many talents outside of their subject specialism and Maths Teacher, Mrs Rajesh is a very talented cook.

Last term, Ofsted inspectors visited King James for a two-day inspection and we have now received the official report. We are happy to confirm that we have retained the Good status awarded to us in our previous inspection in 2017.

The cast of A’ Level Performing Arts have completed their exam piece based on dreams and the inspirational work of American film director, producer and writer, Tim Burton.

This week, we have delivered over 50 hand made Easter cards to two of our local care homes, Church View Care Centre at South Church and Eden House at Cockton Hill. We hope the messages inside bring a little joy to our elderly residents this Easter.

Two of our students, Tamzin I in Year 7, and Cody M in Year 9 have been selected from over 5,000 entrants to have their poems published as part of the Young Writers Competition.

Four of our Year 10 students have taken part in the Advanced Maths Support Programme's annual Math Feast at Durham University. The national Maths Feast initiative is a fun educational challenge for Year 10 students which tests problem-solving and teamworking skills.

In our Maths Department, students have been taking part in our annual pi recitation competition to celebrate Pi Day 2022.

This week we are celebrating World Book Day 2022 by giving out free books in our Academy Library to all students in Key Stage 3, along with a £1.00 book token, which can be redeemed for a second free book at Tesco, Newton Aycliffe. Tokens will also be given to all students in Key Stage 4.