School noticeboard

Luxe checks in with some local schools on their latest news, achievements and highlights...

Forward-thinking facilities

Dame Allan’s recently celebrated the opening of its Jubilee building, boasting outstanding facilities for the thriving STEAM subjects of science, technology, engineering, arts and maths. The £8 million development officially opened as part of ‘Dedication Week’, featuring entrepreneur Sara Davies speaking as part of ‘The Lectures’ - the school’s series of talks from inspirational people from a range of careers - plus an alumni dinner, a performing arts showcase and art masterclasses.

The latest addition offers a light and airy exhibition space for pupils to showcase their artwork and be inspired by others. As well as this, the building has purpose built science labs, a dedicated design technology space for sixth formers, maths classrooms and a living wall to demonstrate the school’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.

Principal Will Scott said: ‘The Jubilee building is a testament to our belief in the future of Dame Allan’s Schools and is benefiting pupils in many ways. They are already flourishing academically and artistically thanks to the range of facilities. The formal exhibition space is an excellent place to showcase pupils’ work, and the science laboratories and design technology suites are aiding the teaching of practical skills for a range of STEAM careers.’ dameallans.co.uk

The future of fashion

As fashionistas gathered around the world for Fashion Week, young designers of the future from Newcastle High School for Girls (NHSG) have presented their own annual Art and Design Fashion Show. Showcasing their fashion collections inspired by themes such as race, medicine, the human body and Formula 1, alongside inspiration from the work of a variety of artists, the designs took centre stage in the school’s highly anticipated annual catwalk show. NHSG, which has an outstanding reputation as a centre of creative excellence, sees many of its pupils following art and fashion related courses and go on to enjoy successful careers in fashion. label.newcastlehigh.gdst.net

In the net

Durham High School’s U19 netball team will be representing the North East at the Netball National Schools Finals this March. The girls made it to the National Finals having topped both the county and regional competitions without losing a single match. Jo Slane, Director of Sport at the school, said: “The team played superbly and we are immensely proud of their achievements this season. It will be fantastic to see Durham High School representing the North East, playing against the top school teams in England.

“The girls are wonderful role models for our younger players and are the perfect example of what can be achieved when you are dedicated, determined and collaborative as a team.

Durham High School’s commitment to sport and extra-curricular activities was recognised in a recent report by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), which found it to be ‘excellent’ across all aspects of school life, from the rounded education it provides to the social and moral development of its pupils. dhsfg.org.uk