The Caffinite boys have experienced a rather calm week, with summer examinations taking centre stage last week. Every year group has been affected, as each exam holds equal significance. However, the rewards are undoubtedly great for those boys who have prepared well. 

Unfortunately, end-of-year examinations remain the primary method for assessing pupils, and this is unlikely to change any time soon as that's how the exam boards prefer it! Inevitably, this brings associated pressures that we must train the boys to handle. They can certainly reduce this pressure through proper preparation. Having marked a significant number of Computer Science papers this week, it is clear that the majority of pupils have prepared well. I hope this week has been a valuable experience for them and that they are suitably rewarded when the results are shared by their teachers. 

Durham Regatta 2025

To counterbalance the stress of exams, sport has provided a welcome respite, particularly with the upcoming Durham Regatta this weekend. Mr Thompson tells me that the regatta is the largest in the North of England! 

If you find yourself at a loose end this weekend, please pop along to support our boat club. Hopefully, our team will achieve some victories along the way. Good luck to everyone involved. 

Caffinites House BBQ

With only a few weeks left of term, I am now in a position to share some details about House BBQs at the end of term. Like last year, it will be a collaboration between all of the boys' Houses, with the majority of the evening spent on the Playground. The theme for this year is 'Old School Dance and Rave Festival'. I look forward to seeing everyone dressed up in fancy dress from the 80s and 90s, complete with glow sticks and neon trousers! 

There will be live music, guest DJs, stalls, and inflatables, not to mention an inflatable obstacle course! The Houses will come together at the start of the evening for a BBQ on the patio outside Big School, before returning to their individual Houses for prizes and presentations. Once the prize-giving is complete, we will head back down to the Playground for the evening events. The evening is shaping up to be a memorable one - even bigger than last year!

Pick-up times will be as follows: Years 7–11 will need to be picked up at 9:30 pm, with Years 12–13 being picked up at 10pm. 

Caffinites Fundraising

As mentioned previously, I am also pleased to announce that on Thursday 3rd July, The Caffinites House will be taking part in a sponsored 1 mile swim, with all proceeds going directly to our charity. This promises to be a fun and energetic event for a fantastic cause, and both Mr Thompson and I hope everyone participates. 

May I kindly ask that all sponsorship money be paid through our JustGiving page. Every contribution, big or small, will help make a real difference.

JustGiving link: The Caffinites House is fundraising for Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation

Activities Week

For Activities week, Mrs Rochester has sent a letter to all Year 7 - 10 parents outlining the logistics of week. For any new parents, this is an annual event that takes place during the final week of term and involves a wide range of trips and enjoyable activities for the pupils. 

Please take a moment to read through the information provided and make note of any specific details relating to your child's trips or activities

Looking ahead, sports day will take place on the final morning of term (Friday 4th July), and further information about the day will be shared in due course.

Housekeeping

Finally, as a housekeeping reminder, could I encourage parents to ensure that their children take responsibility for their personal belongings? There have been a few instances where items were reported missing but were later found around the school - in classrooms or left behind on the sports field. Lockers are available for everyone in the House and should be used to store valuable items securely. It is important that pupils keep their lockers locked and avoid bringing unnecessary valuables to school, as this will help prevent the loss or damage of personal items. 

The boys also need to think about the end of term, when all belongings need to be emptied out of lockers and taken home. I appreciate your cooperation in reinforcing this responsibility at home.