It was the turn of Year 7 to enjoy their tutor group social this week as we visited Nando's in Durham on Wednesday after school. Thankfully, all of the boys liked chicken, as there were a few places on a large list that we thought satisfied 10 hungry 11-year-olds and some monitors with significant appetites. Thanks to Charlie C and Chris T for joining us and regaling us with anecdotes from their own tutor outings of the past, which ranged from go-karting to pizza nights in the Caffinites. I'm also pleased to report that all of the boys managed a dessert, including myself.

There are many cliches I could use involving doors etc to define how the Year 13 boys from Caffinites will be feeling following the last first fifteen match they will play for the school, but I thought it best not to. The House has been well represented in the first team rugby squad and seeing the boys grow into the team, be captain, score last minute winning conversions has been a privilege. Granted, their final game ended without victory but the real achievement for them was the privilege of wearing the green jumper or tie around the campus for the last few years. 

As we near the close of the year, the Year 13 pupils are gripped by their UCAS activities, constantly refreshing screens awaiting an offer and some preparing for interviews with Mr Hope (who has worked tirelessly to prepare them all), for what seems to have been a long time. We wish them the best of luck over the break as some wait to see what offers they receive. 

In chapel on Wednesday, Charlie C, our Head of House, delivered an inspirational speech on the benefits of the school newspaper. He cited how his own involvement has allowed him to meet new people, be challenged by deadlines and cooperate with others to deliver a rounded view of the term. In Charlie's own words, his involvement was relatively late and he wishes he had joined sooner, and for me, the Durham Eye is the perfect example of the depth of activity on offer at school that encourages pupils to develop skills they didn't even know they had. 

Have a great weekend, 

Mr S. Thompson