This week

This week we celebrated British Science Week. The theme this year is smashing stereotypes. Science is such a varied sector and much more than the societal stereotype of someone in a lab coat and goggles, swirling a conical flask. In the main school assembly we highlighted the importance of science for every one of us. To complement this, students were encouraged to read some of the ‘smashing stereotypes’ stories here: Smashing Stereotypes: The profiles – British Science Week. We also heard from Sixth Form science student and Deputy Head Prefect, Hope, who spoke enthusiastically about her role with our Monthly Molecule magazine. We very much hope this will lead to even more students contributing to the magazine, opting for Science A levels and everyone valuing science and its contribution to our lives.

On Wednesday, 13th March students in Year 9 listened carefully to a talk by author Manjeet Mann and in the afternoon, groups of students in Years 7 and 8 were able to take part in workshops with Manjeet. We were delighted to receive the following feedback from Manjeet:

It was such a joy to visit Darrick Wood. The day was so well organised and both students and staff made me feel so welcome. Darrick Wood School is an inspiring and inclusive place and I really hope I get to visit again in the future.

All my best

Manjeet

Last week’s Culture Week Own Clothes Day raised over £700 and then today, Friday, 15th March, we celebrated Red Nose Day with all students and staff wearing either a Red Nose Day item or swapping a piece of uniform/clothing for something red.  It was lovely to see so many take part and raise money for such an important charity.

On Friday, 15th March the School of Sexuality visited to run a Health Day with Year 12.  They firstly had a workshop session on Coercion and Consent in classrooms and then during the afternoon all of Year 12 were in the Main Hall for a presentation on Relationship and Sexual Health.  The day was really informative and covered lots of topics that are very important and relevant.

British Sign Language Week

Next week is British Sign Language week.  Students across the School will be introduced to BSL in form time. Darrick Wood’s Deaf Centre staff have put together a really helpful resource that aims to ensure all at our school can learn at least the basics of BSL and why it is important to learn this language.

Bromley Youth Council

Please find attached information about the Bromley Youth Council elections taking place at Darrick Wood on Wednesday, 27^th March. All students will be taken to the Main Hall during this day and given the chance to vote. Please run through the attached presentation in order to discuss both the candidates and the procedures of the day to your form group.

As part of the Year 13 Children’s Play Learning and Development course, students are required to demonstrate their knowledge of First Aid. A representative from Daisy First Aid came into school to teach the students these skills during a two hour interactive First Aid session. Students were shown how to respond to a number of child related emergencies including choking and cardiac arrest. We learned how to administer CPR to babies and children as well as how to put them into the recovery position. The students practised on baby and child sized resuscitation dummies and were able to test out their ability to save a choking child using the choking vest. All students thoroughly enjoyed the session and are now confident in responding to different child related first aid situations.

End of term arrangements

On Thursday, 28th March students in Years 11, 12 and 13 will finish at 1.20pm. Students in Years 7-10 will stay into lunchtime. At 1.50pm they will return to form rooms to await dismissal by pastoral staff from 2pm.

Reminder

We are now using Studybugs for reporting student absence. Please ensure you have downloaded the app as per previous communications (Studybugs – Parents). 

Dates for the diary

Date	Event	Notes
Friday, 15th March to Sunday, 17th March	Netball Tour
Thursday, 21st March	Spring Concert	Main Hall, 7pm
Tuesday, 26th March	Gymnastics Show	Main Hall, 7pm
Wednesday, 27th March	Year 8 Parents’ Evening	SchoolCloud
Thursday, 28th March	Last day of spring term (Friday is a Bank Holiday)	Early finish for students. See above for details.
Friday, 29th March to Saturday, 6th April	Ski trip