Here we are at the end of week 2 and it is fair to say that the boys are looking a little weary! I have had quite a few "I'm shattered, sir" responses to my go to question around the house "How's it going, all ok?". I hope this is a combination of the boys making the most of their time in school (clubs, activities, sports etc) as well as them simply working hard and applying themselves. The feedback I have received from colleagues has been overwhelmingly positive which suggests I may be correct. This morning I spoke to the whole house about their responsibility to think before they speak and understand that people of different ages interpret things in different ways. We have a huge range of interests, ages and backgrounds in the house and I want everyone to feel comfortable as they move around and enjoy time in the Common Rooms. 

House Pool Competition 

The draw for our house pool competition took place earlier in the week with a few games already completed. In the biggest upset of round one, the much-hyped (admittedly by himself) Rowan B fell to the unorthodox right-hander Mr Hall. In what was a game of little quality, Rowan attempted an 8ft chip shot to win, which inevitably fell short, and opened the door for Mr Hall who duly potted his one remaining ball and an unmissable black (though he tried his best). Mr Hall can now look forward to a second-round tie against the competition's odds-on favourite- yours truly.

Sixth Form First Aid Training

Our Sixth Form boys all received CPR and Defibrillator training from Durham Constabulary on Wednesday morning. The boys conducted themselves impeccably and the officers in attendance spoke highly of them all. I am hoping to get the same training for more of our year groups across the school year. 

House Hoodies 

The boys seem very happy with their new vests and hoodies and I am hoping to do a second order so that our new pupils can get purchase one. As was the case last year, the more we order the cheaper they are! We got them for £25 last year which is a great price for what is a very warm and comfortable hoodie. More info will be sent to parents once I have the price back from our supplier.    

Academic 

I think a massive sense of realisation has started to fall on our exam groups who I seem to have hit the ground running. I have had no messages from colleagues about poor or incomplete work which bodes well going forward and suggests the boys are 'on it' from the off. Our juniors have now complete a fortnight of their new timetable and everyone is logged into the school system. I must say a huge thank you to the tutor team for their support of the boys and ensuring everyone has the tools they need to access work and resources. Academic Activities are now all on SOCS so please encourage the boys to get involved in as much as they can. 

Sport 

Our Boat Club enjoyed a brilliant evening last Friday for their Annual Club Dinner. It was a fantastic evening and great to see so many OD's in attendance. My congratulations go to all who spoke and to all the prize dinners. Tonight it is the turn of our cricketers and I am sure a good time will be had by all. Our U14 Cricketers won their County Cup Final in what turned out to be a very convincing win. A 50 from Matthew B doing much to help the team to what proved to be an unreachable target. Lots of junior matches this week, too, with the boys working on their core skills and attacking play (though some defensive drills may be on the agenda for a few teams next week). 

Awards (awarded to the boys by their teachers for superb work in lessons) 

Academic awards this week go to: Kanishk S ,Thomas X, Rupert A, Freddy R, Sam F, Evan O, Leo H, Lewis S, Tom R, Kenneth P, Harry P, Oliver OSB, Zac H, Max H, Vincent H, Simon G, Lucas F, Alex C, Owen C, Jack C, Matthew B, Ethan B, Adam A, Archie S, Kayode A 

Early Leaderboard 

Kanishk S 4
Freddy R   3
Robbie S 3
Alex C     3
Congratulations to all of the boys listed above. 

Year 13 Parents
An email should have appeared in your inboxes from school with a date to save next year (Friday 27th June) . This will be for our School House Leavers' Dinner and it would be great to have everyone their to celebrate what will be the end of the boys' time at Durham. Much more to follow nearer the time.

OD News

James PL, (Head of House, 2021-2022) has been appointed as Newcastle University Men's Boat Club Captain and we wish him well. Sam T (Head of House, 2020-2021 ) has signed a playing contract with Darlington Mowden Park for the season and, again, we wish him well (he will still be a house tutor!). 

Boarding 

Our boarders are off to one of the world's great cities, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne , on Sunday to take in the sights and sounds. My thanks go to Mr Hall and Mrs Heeley who have worked tirelessly to support our new pupils through the first couple of weeks and I know the boys are as grateful as I am. We have a superb group of boarders, and we are really looking forward to the year ahead. 

House Keeping 

As a parent myself, I fully appreciate the frustration when kit does not come home. I am sure you have all labelled the boys' belongings so do please have a quick check as it goes through the wash to make sure the boys have brought their own kit home. Any rogue kit can be brought into school, and I am happy to redistribute. 

I wish you all a restful and enjoyable weekend. 

Mr Mark Younger
Housemaster, School House