The Beauty of Durham School

Every now and then it takes a fresh pair of eyes to be reminded of the privilege of being in a school such as ours. A group of seven trainee teachers from Germany who visited on World Book Day, as it happens, provided just those eyes. Certainly, their enchanted reaction may have been heightened by the sights of Mr. Stay Puft, Winnie the Pooh, The Railway Children and other such fictional characters wandering into lessons, but they were, in essence, very impressed by our pupils, staff and site. From Music to Latin, Maths to Drama, Rowing to French, our guests remarked repeatedly on the range of opportunities we provide here, the care shown to pupils and the beautiful setting in which it all takes place. True, of course, but sometimes easy to overlook when in the thick of it.

Year 13 would likely agree with that this week. With their noses to the ground and their backs bent over mock papers, they probably haven't noticed the blossom opening up on trees or the light on the cathedral in the afternoon. Let's hope that a weekend's rest (aside from Open Day, of course!) will put this right. 

Open Day 

I look forward to working with those girls who will be helping in the House on Saturday: This is a particular pleasure for me as I don't often see Day Girls at the weekend. If I'm even luckier, I might bump into more of them on Sunday as I understand there will be a full day of rehearsals then too. Good luck to all our girls acting in Pygmalion next week. The boarders and I are excited to see the dress rehearsal on Monday night. 

Other News

Slightly further afield, but approaching at a keen pace, are the year 11 languages mocks. Little and VERY often is the way to learn for this and, as my classes hear me repeatedly (and very unimaginatively) say: "It's never too late to make a difference". I hope girls are busy swatting up for these exams as I type. 

Parents' evening for year 13 is also just around the corner, on 18th March. I hope all girls enjoy the sunshine this weekend and make the most of time outside.