This week

Assemblies in this first week of the summer term were themed around life being a journey. Life can be more enriching and enjoyable when we challenge ourselves do different things. We looked at the extreme challenges overcome by Jasmin Paris (first woman to complete the Barkley Marathons in USA) and Russ Cook, who recently completed a run from the south of Africa to the north (10,000miles!). These were very inspiring, but our adventures through life do not need to be quite as challenging (unless we want them to be). We just need to ensure we are getting the most out of each day. For students, their journey through life currently is dominated by the fact they are at school. We considered how, when we are part of any community such as a school or workplace, we need to conform with the values, rules and expectations set out by that community. As students returned from the Easter break, this was a timely reminder of why values and rules benefit everyone within the school community and are not there to be ignored by individuals. Students were reminded of School Rules 1 about sensible behaviour and consideration for others at all times. We ended assembly reviewing some quotes from former South African President, Nelson Mandela such as:

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived; it is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

All Darrick Wood students are encouraged to make a difference to others on their journey through life at our school.

Very well done to Year 7 students Piper, Isla, Georgia Mae, Lucy, Elizabeth, Chloe, Amy, Annalise, Gabriella, Alexia, Olivia, Rachel and Esme who sang with great confidence at the start of all assemblies this week.

Year 10 examinations

We would like to say well done to all students in Year 10. They have this week demonstrated excellent attitudes and maturity when completing their examinations in the Hall and other exam venues. Their examinations continue into next week and we wish them the best for these.

Year 8 diversity role models

This week Year 8 were lucky enough to have a 1 hour session with Diversity Role Models.  They explored ideas of ‘difference’ and looked at the protected characteristics act of 2010.  They spoke about the use of positive language and being kind and supportive with difference.  It was very well received by the year group, and we will be looking at running a parent session with this company later in the year.

UK International Radio Drama Festival – Christmas Present

In case you missed it, we were proud that two of our Sixth Form students featured in the Newsshopper recently for their excellent work with DWS Audio and the UK International Radio Drama Festival.

https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/24202733.local-students-feature-international-radio-festival/?ref=wa

Well done James and George.

End of season football report

The school Football season came to an end before Easter. Darrick Wood School enjoyed a very long and successful season playing a huge 110 games between September and April. We also played the third highest amount of Football in the whole of Kent. This is the most games the School has ever played and is testament to the commitment and quality of our young footballers. We competed in Bromley District Leagues, English Schools Cups and Bromley Cups, advancing further in these competitions than ever before. This success we experienced was a direct result of the many hours of training our footballers completed. The New Football Academy AM training led by Ben Greenhalgh on Monday-Wednesday mornings was very well attended. Students were extremely motivated to get up early, organise themselves for pre-school training and also then be ready to learn at 8:35am. We are sure these students will tell you it was a fantastic way to start their day…and of course had huge positive impacts for our team cohesion.

Girls Highlights:

– The U16 & U13 girls reached the Kent Cup semi-finals but unfortunately fell just short of reaching the finals. The U16s lost in extra time to Herne Bay and the U13 girls lost narrowly to Bullers Wood.

– The highlight of the season was the U14 girls reaching the last 16 of the National Cup. Over 550 schools entered this particular competition, and we were beaten by a very strong Shenfield School to fall short of the last 8!

– We do actually have two games left…Both the U16 and U13 girls are in the Bromley Cup Finals! These games are taking place on Tuesday, 30^th April and Wednesday, 1^st may. All support would be welcome at Bromley FC for these two finals.

– During the season we have also had huge amounts of individual success and representation. In Year 7 Issy is currently signed by Charlton FC, Freida is currently signed by Crystal Palace FC. In Year 8, Evie is currently signed by Charlton FC. In Year 9 Issy is currently signed by London City Lionesses and is also representing Kent U14 school girls. In Year 10, Lucy currently signed by Charlton FC and is also representing Kent U16 school girls. Asia is currently signed by Millwall FC.

Boys Highlights:

– The Year 7 boys Football team showed bundles of energy and talent in the Kent Cup. We were beaten in the quarter finals by a strong St Paul’s team, whilst also winning four games in the English Schools Cup, going out on penalties to a school in Horsham. The Year 7 boys team explored the south east of England!

– The Year 9 boys reached the Bromley District final unfortunately losing to Bonus Pastor, but a huge achievement in itself.

– Individual success and representation for some of our boys too: Harry in Year 7 is currently signed by Fulham FC, Charlie and Jack are both signed by Crystal Palace FC, Vlad in Year 9 is currently signed by Tottenham FC.

Thank-you to all parents and carers for their support this season (and in advance of your support at the two Bromley Cup finals). Helping to get your young children ready for morning training and ensuring they stayed motivated throughout the season is much appreciated. Next year we will look to go even further.

PSFA

The PSFA will be holding another of their popular pre-loved uniform sales on the morning of Saturday, 27th April (10-11am). If you can help setting up after school on the Friday, or on the morning with the sale itself, then please get in touch. The sale will be taking place in Dining Hall 2.

Dates for the diary

Date	Event	Notes
Thursday, 18th April until Friday, 26th April	Year 10 examinations
Saturday, 27th April	PSFA pre-loved uniform sale	Dining Hall 2, 10-11am
Tuesday, 30th April	Leavers’ photographs
Monday, 6th May	Bank Holiday	School closed
Thursday, 9th May	Public Examinations start
Monday, 27th May	Half-term break
Monday, 3rd June	Return from half-term break Years7-9 assessments for next two weeks
Monday, 24th June	Year 12 examinations
Wednesday, 3rd July	Sports Day – Years 7-9	Norman Park Athletics Arena
Monday, 15th July	Year 8 Sayers Croft trip	Half Mon-Wed, half Wed-Fri
Wednesday, 24th July	Last day of term