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.

Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 have recently enjoyed a trip to Sunderland Empire to see a theatre production of Michael Morpurgo's novel, War Horse.

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.

Our 'Extreme Group' members at King James I Academy had the privilege of meeting Paralympic Fencer, Craig McCann as part of Sky Sports' Living for Sport - Youth Sport 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.

As part of our commitment towards promoting a healthy lifestyle among our young people and our wider community, we have registered with the Food for Life Partnership with the aim of achieving the Gold Award.

Ten of our Year 11 students have recently spent the day shadowing store colleagues at Asda in Bishop Auckland as part of a project looking at employability skills. The project was organised by Mrs Dent, our Director of Career Pathways and Progression Tutor, Ms Goddard.