Following nomination by a number of our Sixth Form students for the Journal's prestigious North East Schools Awards 2014, Linda Dixon was declared winner in the category of Support Worker of the Year.

Sixth Form Media students have recently enjoyed a Re-ball and Climbing Wall taster session at the Academy organised by the Consett and District YMCA.

Mr Shearer, our Head of Sixth Form's "Aim Higher' initiative gives students in Years 9-13 an opportunity to visit universities across the UK to get a taste of student life. Trips take place throughout the year to cities including London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Liverpool.

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.

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'.

British photographer and author, Joe Cornish is one of the most famous commercial photographers in the world. Known for his dramatic landscapes, he is responsible for the photography in more than 30 travel books, has worked as an expedition photographer in Alaska and regularly works freelance for the National Trust.

Last term, 40 of our Sixth Form students successfully completed First Aid Training in an initiative organised by Dawn Hindmarch, our Health and Wellbeing Co-ordinator. This recognised qualification is highly valued by both universities and potential employers.

Retro music lovers enjoyed a musical journey back to the 80s last night at Bishop Auckland Town Hall thanks to our music students. The concert, which was organised by Sixth Formers as part of their BTEC studies, included classics from Madonna, Rick Astley, Chaka Khan, Fleetwood Mac and Cindy Lauper, among others.

Sixth Form Creative Media Production students have recently visited Lintons Printers in Crook to learn about commercial printing processes as part of their BTEC studies.