On Friday 10th November, King James I Academy fell silent for two minutes to reflect upon the meaning of Armistice Day and Remembrance Day.
A service was held in the new memorial garden at the school, with special guests and members of the Academy Council in attendance.
This year, as Armistice Day fell on a Saturday, the service was held one day early. The Memorial Service is an important feature of the Academy calendar and one which students value enormously as it provides an opportunity for them to reflect upon the tragedies of conflict and to pay tribute to the thousands of fallen soldiers from WWI and WWII, and the 12,000 British soldiers who have lost their lives in combat since 1945.
This year, alongside former serviceman and Academy Governor, Mr George Campbell, students and staff were joined by special guest, Mr Vernon Dodd, who agreed to lead the service by laying a poppy wreath.
These two veterans served for a combined total of 69 years in The Army and the Territorial Army.
Members of the Academy Council also paid tribute by laying wooden crosses on behalf of their peers and a moving rendition of the Last Post, played by Academy
Music Tutor, Fiona Casewell, echoed throughout the Academy grounds.
Meanwhile, the Academy has recently won an award in the ongoing Active Durham competition.
The Academy was declared local winner in the Secondary School category for outstanding contribution to Sport, Physical Activity and Physical Education.
The annual competition, which is run by County Durham Sport, recognises the contribution made by organisations, clubs and individuals in promoting and delivering opportunities for people to take part in sport and physical activity in their community.
Each year, organisers receive hundreds of nominations for the various categories; award winners are first selected from each local area and these are then invited to attend the County Awards which are set to take place at the Gala Theatre in January 2018.
Students at the Academy have also raised £541.47 for the If U Care Share Foundation in one of the many initiatives organised by the Academy to promote good citizenship and community involvement.
This particular initiative was organised by a group of Media Studies students who wanted to work together within their department to raise money for a local charity.
Following class discussion and nominations, the team of students who are between 14 and 18 years of age, voted to support the If You Care Share Foundation, which provides support services to local families who have tragically been affected by suicide.
Emily Boughey, one of the team members who attends the Sixth Form at the Academy said, “I have really enjoyed being part of the fundraising team and feel proud of what we have achieved by working together.”
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
