Good News from Duke’s – 22nd November 2024

By Benjamin Curry26th November 2024

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Theatre Trip

This week a lucky group of year 9 and 10 students got to watch the new musical based on the Scott F Fitzgerald short story, ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ which was famously turned into a movie. The new production was fantastic and performed by a very talented group of actor musicians who spent their time on stage changing between playing instruments, singing and acting. The students loved the performance and it was a real treat to be out in the West End watching quality theatrical work. 

 

Godwin Lawson – Staying Safe Assemblies

This week the Godwin Lawson foundation has also been in school delivering powerful assemblies and workshops. Speaking from personal experience Yvonne Lawson presented the story of her son who was the tragic victim of knife crime when he was just 17 years old. The assemblies, led by his mother, Yvonne helped our young people to understand the dangers of knife crime and truly reflect on negative stereotypes. We are looking forward to a mentoring programme being set up with Godwin Lawson for some of our students.

Good News from Duke’s – 15th November 2024

By Benjamin Curry19th November 2024

A busy week as ever at Duke’s.

Our year 7 challenge mentoring group continued their weekly mentoring sessions at Linklaters this week alongside the Eastside Employability programme through which a group of year 10 students build their CVs and skills that relate to job applications. Both programmes have been giving students some amazing new experiences and lifelong skills.

Our science and maths departments have also been busy this week with STEM activities. The maths department arranged for a number of year 8 students to go to LAET for a maths bonanza event in recognition of Maths Week. The science department also engaged with STEM activities at City Airport and through a virtual seminar relating to all things engineering. All brilliantly exciting activities.

In school this week we have also been marking the 2024 ‘Anti Bullying Week’ with the theme this year being ‘Choose respect’. Students have been engaged in assemblies and activities in their tutor time relating to this vitally important theme. 

Good News from Duke’s – 8th November 2024

By Benjamin Curry13th November 2024

Linklaters Art Trip – Celebrating Black History Month

On Friday 25th October a lucky group of year 8 art enthusiasts got to visit Linklaters for a special tour of their art collection. Our relationship with Linklaters Law firm is an important one and the curator there was passionate about exposing our young people to some of their artworks. 

The trip had a focus on art created by black artists to highlight Black History Month. The students were engaged in art workshops and had a tour of many of the artworks on display. They were also treated to a tasty lunch! Many thanks LInklaters!

Many thanks also to Mr McCarron, Mr Grant and Ms Sharklak who accompanied the students on what was a great day out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gospel Singing at Duke’s

On Thursday 7th November Duke’s hosted a gospel singing workshop for some of our students. Professional Gospel Singer Rachel Huggins led the group in a brilliant interactive workshop on gospel singing. The students, all from different year groups really bonded over their collective love of singing and music making.

Mrs Danso did an amazing job in organising the group and the workshop and we’re very much looking forward to more singing workshops and performances in the future.

Good News from Duke’s – 18th October 2024

By Benjamin Curry21st October 2024

Creative Pathways at LAET

A group of students from Drama, Art, Music, Textiles and Photography attended a Creative Pathways event at London Academy of Excellence, Tottenham this week. The panel, discussion and networking event taught the student about careers in the creative industries as well as given our young people an opportunity to network.

The panel included guests such as Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante MBE (music producer and composer for Top Boy on Netflix, 2012 Olympics and artist Kano), Tice Cin (best-selling author, film-maker and artist) and professionals from TV. Our students asked insightful questions and networked really well displaying so many attributes that will be vital for their future careers – whichever industry they end up working in.