Had it not been for the devastating earthquake and typhoon in the Philippines, the King James Marine Conservation team would have recently returned from a three week scuba diving adventure to the islands of Cebu and Bohol. There, they would have been working with local people to help preserve the coral reefs. Sadly, due to concerns about safety in the region, the expedition had to be cancelled, however this gave our students another idea.

As part of our A.C.E Day activities, a group of Year 7 students, accompanied by Mrs Stewart, visited the Durham Food Bank to deliver and help sort groceries that they had collected in school.

In July, Gunther Von Hagens' astounding exhibition, Body Worlds Vital, launched at Newcastle's Life Centre, showcasing human anatomy on real bodies, which have all undergone Gunther's method of plastination. Sixth Form students from Biology, Applied Science, Phsychology and Health-and-Social Care were among the first to visit the exhibition.

Breaking Bad:Taming Heisenberg

Inside: Issue 10 of the free e-magazine written and produced by an editorial team of young people at King James.

Click Here to visit the Exclaimer Magazine website.

During our annual Curriculum Week programme, around 430 primary pupils in Year 5 joined us at King James for a fun-packed secondary school experience.

Go4SET, a national scheme run by the EDT (Engineering Development Trust) links teams of students in Years 8 and 9 with companies and universities to offer a 10 week Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) experience.

We have had considerable past success in the Future Business Magnates (FBM) competition and this year looks set to be another cause for celebration. Our team of Year 8 students, who are working with Business Studies teacher, Mrs Lobb, are currently at the top of the league table with an impressive 20 point lead following four challenges.

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'.

The CILIP Carnegie Medal is the UK's most prestigious children's book award - it is the gold standard in children's literature. Each year, students across the UK decide which book should receive the award by reading those nominated and voting for their favourite.