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On what turned out to be a nice afternoon for weather with rather heavy conditions under foot, the squad of 87 athletes did the Academy proud. The teams produced a dominant display winning four of the six races. There were numerous individual successes with the standout performance from Freya Talman who showed true grit after losing both spikes with 800m to go and managed to come second finishing in her socks!

At 11 am on 11 November, Hummersknott Academy fell silent for 2 minutes to remember the dead of previous conflicts. 

Award Winner

Alex Lennie from Year 8 was recently presented with the NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association) North East Young Performer’s Award, for her appearance in the role of Jemima Potts in the Darlington Operatic Society production.

11 year old student Finlay Thomas, was entered into the recent 7th Kyokutan Karate Competition. He competed in the Individual Kata, the Team Kata and the Kumite (combat). Finlay came away with a third in the team kata and a second in the individual event. He fought his way through the Kumite competition to reach the final, where he was delighted to win the competition. This was a fantastic achievement for Finlay—his greatest yet. Hopefully this win will place him in a strong position for the European Karate Championships next year.

Year 7 students celebrated harvest this week with a special assembly led by Martin Stand of Darlington Area Churches Youth Ministry.  Students brought contributions of tinned and dried food, which were collected and later distributed to the Baptist Church Food Bank and the town's Family Help charity.

The Pearl of Africa Choir from Uganda visited the academy and worked with students in a variety of workshops. Our students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to experience African drumming, dancing and singing. In the evening the choir performed to a highly appreciative audience.

The Year 8's won all their softball games one night last week against Wyvern Academy and Longfield Academy.

The students have arrived safely in the Ardeche ..... and most importantly - THE SUN IS SHINING!!!

A rather rain soaked Bruges. It will take more than rain to dampen the spirits of Hummersknott Academy students.

Danny Holmes, Charlie Wood and Cameron Coates have been selected to play for Darlington District Football Team.

Wyvern students, Carys Stapley, Angus Hay and Abbie Wishart handing over a cheque for £1517.81 to Jenny Doig from North Of England Children's Cancer Research. The charity was chosen because of its close links to the Kieran Maxwell Legacy. Money raised by sponsored head shaves, sponsored silence, raffles and spot the ball, to name a few.

Hannah Crawford writes  "During the recent Easter holidays, Caitlyn Taylor (another Quaker student) and I took on the challenge of climbing Scafell Pike to raise money for our college charity - North East Autism Society. It was a fantastic experience, with amazing views; but overall it was a great feeling to be raising money for such a worthy cause. Myself, Caitlyn and North East Autism Society would like to say a massive thank you to all those who made donations, it really will make a difference to those people who are living with autism."

Students from across the academy took part in the regional final in Newcastle at the beginning of April. All teams did well, with KS4 girls being exceptional. For the third year in succession the KS4 girls have gained a place in the national finals in Milton Keynes later in the year.

The school production of Grease took place on 27 and 28 March 2019. The production involved over 50 students across all year groups from Music, Dance and Drama. With GCSE Music students performing in the pit band alongside Mrs Clark-Davies and Mr Ford, and GCSE drama students taking a key role as directors, the production truly was a collaborative project. The show was described as one of the best yet.

This year we were successful in winning both the boys’ and the girls’ competition and therefore the overall winners again. There were many great swims and Harriet Rogers set new records in the 100m and 25m freestyle.  Alex Grieves won the diving competition.  Jack Hurworth, Molly Mooney, Megan Lester, Euan Jones, Chloe Harding, John Russell, Neve Kell, Sam Beukenholdt, James Hodgson and Harriet Rodgers all won their individual races.

Congratulations to ”Traction”, Alex Mason, Alex Grant and Will Finney (9S-TLC) and Sam Rhodes-Dawber (9W-SRD) who recently took part in the National Championships of the Land Rover 4x4 Challenge, Developing Class. They performed fantastically over the two day event at the British Motor Museum at Gayden on 6 and 7 March, winning a trophy for Star Quality Pit Display.

Students enjoyed taking part in the many World Book Day activities on offer throughout the Academy, including a Literature Quest and Scavenger Hunt.  Many staff dressed as characters from set texts and provided students with clues and quotes.

The ski trip consisting of 32 students and 4 members of staff arrived safely on Sunday in Pila - in the Italian Aosta Valley.  They had had a long but uneventful journey and were enjoying an afternoon in the snow letting off steam yesterday afternoon.  Keep an eye on the Hummersknott Academy Facebook page as well as here for regular updates and photos.