Dear Parents, Carers and Families,

Assemblies in school this week and next focus on the importance of creativity. It was stressed to students that modern technology means that machines and computers can work harder than them and, on a surface level at least, will appear more intelligent than them, but can only do what humans tell them to do, and even when being driven by immensely complicated algorithms, are still beholden to those algorithms. Humans are blessed with the ability to think differently, to think beyond logic, and this is a skill that not only separates us from machines, it’s also one that an increasing number of employers value across all sectors, not just the creative industries themselves. Creativity is a skill that can be developed, and this skill is cherished by employers across the country, but particularly here in the Northeast. It can also do much to help boost and improve people’s mental health by giving them an outlet to express themselves.

As part of the assembly, some staff shared those creative people who have inspired them or creative activities they like to undertake. Mr Carney, the Curriculum Leader for Art, spoke about his love of Damon Albarn as a creative artist, always pushing himself to explore the world of music more and not just recreating what’s been done before. Mrs Stirling, our new Teacher of Reading, spoke about the fact that she also writes creative fiction for children. Mr Earnshaw spoke about his VEX robotics and the successful team he leads here in school, showing that creativity is not just confined to “the arts” but also important in terms of success in all areas of life. Dr Smith also shared her own dazzling array of creative pursuits and spoke passionately about both the impact of Frida Kahlo on her, and how she feels connected to a rich tradition of women in Northern Ireland working together when quilt-making. It was, for me at least, powerful to hear such a diverse range of voices with such a diverse range of connections to the power of creativity from within our own school community.

Of course, it’s not just our staff who show why creativity is important to them every day. We can see it in our curriculum, both in those subjects dedicated very obviously to creativity like art, music and drama, but also in subjects like maths and science where strong students will look for patterns, find alternative methods, design experiments and problem-solve in ways that need agile minds. You can also see it in social times, where some of our younger students in Years 7 and 8 still like to very visibly play during break and lunch, although perhaps, slightly sadly, not many will admit to that. Creativity requires risk-taking and as children become teenagers they become far less willing to take any risks that they fear will damage their social status, it’s easier to just fit in. Our best students are those that realise that creativity is just intelligence having fun and continue to think about things deeply and differently with an open mind. We want all our students to discover this creativity within themselves, both for the benefits it brings to them on an individual and personal level, but also because of what it means to them in terms of their future hopes and aspirations. By continuing to work together as a community, I’m confident we can develop an ever more rich, exciting and creative set of opportunities for all our young people.

Many thanks for your continued support of the school; I hope you all have a good weekend.  

Michael Wright

Headteacher

Please find this week's key messages below.

10 Parent/Carer Information Evening Thursday 2nd October 5.00pm Year Venue: Main Hall

Presentations throughout the evening will include helping and supporting your child with their GCSEs and looking ahead at work experience and careers advice.  The curriculum leaders of Maths, English and Science will also speak on the curriculum within their subjects.

Year 11 Parent/Carer Information Evening Thursday 2nd October 6.00pm Venue: Main Hall

Presentations throughout the evening will include helping and supporting your child in their final year of the GCSEs and looking ahead at Post-16 choices.  The curriculum leaders of Maths, English and Science will also speak on the curriculum within their subjects.

Car Park Passes

A reminder that if you need to drive onto school site to collect our child, you must have a car park pass provided by the school. If you require a pass, please contact the relevant Year Team and we can organise this for you.

School Nurse Sessions

We have school nurses visit school on a fortnightly basis to support our students with a variety of needs. They can help students with anxiety, low mood, healthy eating, smoking/vaping, diet and exercise and sleeping concerns. If you would like your child to see the nurses, please contact the Year Teams to make an appointment.

How are children using AI tools?

We know that young people using Artificial Intelligence is on the increase but as a parent and carer, do you know how much AI your child uses and accesses? Recent research by child wellbeing specialists tells us the following:

  • Children are turning to AI for mental health advice, companionship, and learning support.
  • Character-based chatbots are increasingly popular for ‘deep’ conversations, including sensitive topics.
  • Clear boundaries and consistent guidance at home and at school help children use AI safely and ethically.

If you would like to know more about this, please access the article on our Online Safety Hub which can be found here Online Safety Hub - Framwellgate School Durham

Mrs Osborne, Director of Safeguarding