As part of our extensive Career Planning programme, we are visited throughout the year by industry practitioners from a diverse range of sectors. Speakers focus on delivering inspirational sessions to students in Years 9 and 10; this helps to broaden career ideas and raise aspirations.

Around 600 pupils from 12 local primary schools joined us for Year 5 Curriculum Week this year. Students attended King James to enjoy a full range of taster sessions and learning experiences, which were pre-selected by their own Head Teacher.

Our Year 11 students have celebrated the end of their exams at our annual Leavers' Barbeque and are now enjoying a well-deserved break before their life journey continues.

A group of Sixth Form Photography students have been developing their creative portfolio on a multi-location trip around the North East.

We are very sad to announce that Lez Rawe passed away in the early hours of this morning, following a short illness and following the loss of his wife, Betty, a few months earlier. Lez will be sadly missed by the students, staff and governors at King James I Academy.

Best Performing State Sixth Form in the North East!

Inside: Sixth form Life, New Nurture Centre, STEM initiatives, Outward Bound, Year 6 Transition, Football Tour of Holland, Maths Department News, Aim Higher Trips plus much more.

In September, over 180 new Year 7s will join us at King James. To make sure they settle in quickly, our Transition Programme starts early, with a wide variety of events that began for many whilst they were in Year 5.

In July, six of our Year 11 students will be celebrating the end of their exams, and marking the beginning of their Sixth Form studies with a three-week-long trip to America. This is the 8th USA experience to take students to Iowa and Chicago.

A group of Year 9 students have been working hard with English Teacher, Mrs Read to create a literacy-themed garden area at the rear of our school to celebrate our favourite books and to inspire reading for pleasure.

We are constantly looking at ways to improve communication with our students, parents and our community. Technology allows us to keep moving forward by developing new methods, such as our newly-launched Art and Photography Instagram, and our brand new "Parent App', which is coming in September.