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Report for the Student Committee of Governors

October 2013

Student Association

Prior to their final A Level exams, QE students

celebrated the end of their studies in style with a

Leavers’ Party at Bannatyne Hotel in Darlington.

The party was a sell out and a great success all

round! The event was organised by the Student

Association Executive and they worked hard to

make it a wonderful night. Students partied the

night away, enjoying some well-deserved

relaxation after two years of intensive academic

study. The party featured a chocolate fountain and

a photo booth where students could dress up in

costumes with their friends and take away a printout of their photographs. Music was provided by Costa Del

Soul, a QE student band that won this year’s College Battle of the Bands, and they ensured everyone got to

their feet for a dance!

Rosie Burns, Student Association President, said: “We were delighted at how great the Leavers’ Party was.

The fact we had a sell out gave the night a lovely vibe. The venue was perfect, everyone took full advantage

of the photo booth and chocolate fountain and Costa Del Soul were amazing. Thanks to everyone who made

it a brilliant night!”

The new Student Association Executive took part in a team building session organized by Beccy Stannard,

Student Services Co-ordinator. This provided the opportunity for the new team to meet one another , and

develop their communication skills and trust. The new team played ‘Jelly Spaghetti’, where they attempted

to build towers from spaghetti, jelly babies and marshmallows! This proved to be a little difficult, but fun all

the same! The Executive were also presented with their new Student Association Executive t-shirts.

During A2 Fortnight in June, the new Student Association Executive had lunch with Tim Fisher, the Principal

and other members of Senior Management in order for everyone to introduce themselves and get to know

one another. This was also a great opportunity for the Student Executive to chat with Senior Management

and understand their roles and responsibilities. Tim also presented the new Executive with their college

name badges, and congratulated them on their successful appointment to the Executive.

The first challenge for the Student Association Executive was Bridging Week when prospective students were

invited into College to get a taste of what they could expect in September. The job of the SA Executive during

this week was to be a general helping hand, being someone for the new students to go to with questions. As

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always, the Student Association wore smiling faces and their white polo shirts so that they could be easily

identified and asked directions in the corridors. They tried to make the week as fun as possible with a tuck

shop and bands playing in the Common Room and a week-long game of Where's Wally around College. The

SA also gave a presentation in assemblies, telling a little about their role in College and the ways in which the

students could get involved once they start QE in September. Money from the activities over Bridging Week

went to the Student Association’s chosen charity for the year; Teenage Cancer Trust.

To kick off Bridging Week, the Monday break and lunch saw Andrew Backhouse present a special show on

QE Radio. The College’s student radio station, QE Radio got Bridging students in the spirit for the week ahead

with an eclectic range of music - new and old - played out in the Common Room. With dozens of students

taking to Twitter with requests and shout outs, the event proved a huge success. QE Radio has continued

this term to go from strength to strength. Presented by Andrew every Friday lunchtime, the Common Room

is the go-to place to start the weekend. With students singing along, taking to Twitter with shout-outs and

requests - and even attracting exclusive interviews with chart-topping bands Bastille, The 1975, Icona Pop

and Jake Bugg – QE Radio is bigger than ever.

The Student Association Executive took part in the

organisation of “Freshers’ Fair”; an event designed to

promote the College’s Supplementary Programme

and various community projects. It was a brilliant

opportunity for the Student Association Executive to

promote themselves and their roles. The event was

successful with students signing up for a range of

extracurricular courses and activities. The Executive

encouraged students to participate in their monthly

meetings and upcoming charity events. The Student

Association Executive took the opportunity to

promote their social networking sites on Facebook and Twitter, which are proving to be a great success this

year.

In September, the Student Association Executive also hosted the College's first ever “Freshers’ Meet &

Greet” event in the Main Hall. The aim was to provide a relaxed atmosphere where students from the first

and second years would be able to make new friends, and to find out more about the work done by the

Student Association to improve College life outside of the classroom. An acoustic performance was provided

by local rock group Atlas Wynd (members of which attend QE) and refreshments were available to all

attendants. The event was an overwhelming success, drawing in a sizable crowd. This sparked the idea that

the Student Association could host acoustic showcases more frequently, thus providing an outlet for local

talent.

Towards the end of September, the first Student Association meeting of the year was held and it was a huge

success with excellent attendance from tutor representatives. The Executive ran through its main plans for

the near future as well as highlighting its successes so far. Response from the student representatives was

good with plenty of ideas and feedback. In the first meeting, Lynn Walton, Community Liaison Officer for Age

UK discussed possible volunteering opportunities, and a new “Good Friends” initiative organised by AGE UK

Darlington. At the October meeting, Alex Blackham informed the students about the Darlington Sunday

People’s market and encouraged them to consider market trading as a business enterprise or charity

fundraiser. He also suggested that some musicians or performers could provide entertainment by busking.

Mike Connelly, the manager of Chartwells which provides the College’s catering service, also addressed the

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students and explained recent changes to the menu. He asked for suggestions and promised to look at the

re-emergence of curly fries!

The Student Association Executive used International Talk

Like a Pirate Day to have fun and encourage new students

to get involved.

They dressed up like pirates, gave out prizes to the many

students who tweeted pictures to the Student Association

and organised a treasure hunt to raise the profile of what

they do. It was a great day and £139.79 was raised for the

students’ chosen charity for this year, the Teenage Cancer

Trust.

To mark Macmillan’s World’s Biggest Coffee morning, the

Student Association Executive held its own cake sale.

Many talented students baked lots of delicious goodies

which others readily bought and enjoyed. Various types of

tea, coffee and hot chocolate with generous helpings of

sprinkles and marshmallows were also snapped up and the

event raised £208.61 for the very worthy charity.

The Arts

‘Really? For about a week…’ was a really exciting final

show bringing together the art and design work of thirty-

two Art Foundation students celebrating the end of their

pre-degree year at QE. The work was professionally staged

to reflect the high level of the course.

The exhibition contained final major project work

exploring individual themes devised by the students that

reflect their personal interests and demonstrate skills

within their chosen pathways in art or design. There were

inspiring projects which were lively and engaging in a wide

range of disciplines including Fine Art, Graphic Design and Illustration, Textiles and Fashion Design, Costume

Design, Photography and Lens-Based Media.

There were many intriguing pieces including impressive large-scale, yet fragile wire sculptures created by

Luce Dunn which had seductive jewel-like shimmering surfaces, yet contained dangerous contradictory

elements. Jordan Boyle’s theme of Identity investigated issues relating to her childhood and used textile

processes, cloth and bold photographic projections. Laura Cowling’s white installation used suspended

fragile plaster casts of cups and bottles, thread and dripping wax inspired by the theme of ‘Alice in

Wonderland’.

Graphic design was represented by Ellis Blackwood’s impressive anamorphic typography. His text, painted

across several walls, presented a distorted projection that required viewers to occupy a specific vantage

point to understand its meaning. Design for an interior architectural environment was the challenge that

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Oliver Lakey set for himself and resulted in the creation of large, heavy cast plaster tiles that contrasted with

his accompanying fragile origami paper pieces.

Fashion was represented with a variety of imaginative designs and constructed garments. Lauren Smith,

specialising in contour fashion, mixed inspiration from old horror films and lingerie construction techniques

to create her garments. Laura Leathley, working in costume design, created stunning ideas that utilised her

excellent skills with bold form, lively colour and sensuous fabrics. For the exhibition she explored the

Japanese interpretation of the classic ballet ‘Coppelia.’

The exhibition was very well-attended by members of the public as well as QE students and staff, and the

visitors really enjoyed the work of the talented art and design students.

Former QE student, Charlotte Wildsmith, won a

national design competition which raises awareness

of child labour in the textile industry and saw her

work showcased to an international audience.

Charlotte, who studies Textile Design at De Montfort

University, competed against students across the

country to win the annual GoodWeave Rug Design

Competition and she had her design knotted into a

rug by Jacaranda Carpets. This then went on display

at the prestigious interior design show Decorex

International, at Kensington Palace 22-25

September. The competition celebrates emerging young talent and encourages young designers to consider

the importance of ethical manufacturing from the very start of their careers.

Working to a brief set by rug designer Roger Oates with the theme Interpreting Fashion, Charlotte took her

inspiration from a collection by fashion designer Jonathan Saunders and used her research into colour

blending to create her final design. The 21-year-old also received £300 prize money which was awarded to

her at the London event.

Charlotte said: “Winning the GoodWeave competition was a fantastic way to finish off the second year of my

textiles degree, I was overwhelmed when I found out and it was amazing to see my piece exhibited at the

Decorex International Exhibition. The competition has been an invaluable experience, showing me how

easily my woven designs can be translated into other products, such as the hand knotted rug. I also enjoyed

learning all about the work GoodWeave do to stop child labour in the rug industry which is a very important

issue in the textile industry.”

Art Foundation students went to the Hepworth Gallery and Yorkshire Sculpture Park at the beginning of their

course to initiate their first project. It was an excellent day and it helped the

students to bond especially those who have joined the course from other

institutions.

Kate Willson has won a major prize in a national design competition for

Tigerprint who design exclusively for Marks and Spencer. Tigerprint is part

of the HallMark Cards Group and their competitions are particularly aimed at

designers and undergraduates. Out of thousands of entries, Kate came

second and Tigerprint is now going to use her winning design for M&S cards,

wrapping paper and gift tags. The theme of the competition was “shapes as

pattern” and Kate’s winning entry was a black and white linear design. Kate

is thrilled with her success. She says:

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‘I didn’t think I would get anything and was really surprised to hear that my design had met with such

approval. It’s really increased my confidence and given me a boost. It will be fantastic to see my design in

the stores.’ At QE Kate is on the Foundation Art Course and plans to study Fashion promotion at University

In September, all A2 Graphics and Textiles students went on a study day to York to collect research first

hand. The day was very successful as the students worked hard, collected a lot of information and were a

credit to the College. The visit helped to inspire the students and this enthusiasm is showing in their project

work.

A2 Fine Art students went to Edinburgh to visit the Witches Exhibition, and to see the Man Ray exhibition at

the National Portrait Gallery. They then finished the day by going to the Scottish National Gallery to see the

Peter Doig painting exhibition. The excursion was part of the students’ Critical and Contextual studies and it

was a long but very enjoyable day!

AS Level Dance students had an invaluable study day with David

Hughes. David has worked with many of the leading figures in

contemporary choreography and was extremely generous with

his expertise, even performing extracts from Cohan’s Adagietto,

Davies’ L’Apres Midi d’une Faune and Bruce’s Hurricane. These

opportunities link directly with the areas of study for the first

year exam. The College was extremely lucky to be able to get

him for the day.

A Level Dance students performed twice in the Jabberwocky

Market festival hub in the covered market. Two casts surprised,

entertained and delighted the shoppers whilst developing their own performance, choreographic and

collaborative skills.

Hannah Mattinson got through each stage of the audition process for National Youth Dance Theatre and will

now have the opportunity to work with renowned choreographer Akram Khan. Hannah also got full marks

for her AS solo dance; this rarely happens and shows that she is a gifted dancer with a promising future.

Several first years auditioned successfully for a Sky Dance programme due to be aired this Autumn. They

auditioned and worked with Ashley from Diversity and can’t wait to see themselves on the small screen

soon!

The ongoing Dance performance programme took both year groups to see West Side Story and Nobulus; a

contemporary, ballet and street fusion show.

Dance Studio performances of ‘coursework’ dances in progress have continued to prove popular with friends

and family and have been central in raising confidence and performance standards.

In October, AS Film students took part in a highly informative and productive study day at the Tyneside

Cinema. The day comprised two parts: the first of which involved a detailed examination of the culturally-

driven, egalitarian workings of independent, arthouse cinemas in contrast to the profit motives of the

multiplex. Students explored the demographics of each form of cinema and engaged well with discussion of

the programming and outreach opportunities offered by a not for profit institution. The day touched upon

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equality and diversity issues, examining the greater array of representations and audience profiles offered by

a cinema that is less geared toward the mainstream. The second part of the day involved screening and

discussion of an American independent film, preparing students for the US comparison section of their May

exam.

In October, twelve second year Drama and Theatre Studies

students performed a short extract of Blood Wedding as

part of the Jabberwocky Market Theatre Festival. A small

but appreciative crowd were treated to some Spanish

flamenco dancing and a short extract from Lorca’s beautiful

rural tragedy. The students will be performing the play at

QE in November.

Humanities

QE was privileged to play host to Mr Steven

Mendelsson, a Holocaust survivor who fled Nazi

Germany in the 1930s. Mr Mendelsson spoke to

around one hundred History students and staff,

recalling his experiences as a child growing up in

Germany in the 1930s. Many of Mr Mendelsson’s

family fell victim to the Nazis, but he and his brother

were able to escape to the UK in 1939 as one of the

12,000 children who were rescued in the

Kindertransport programme. He went on to serve in

the British Home Guard and forged a successful

career as an engineer in this country. Now 87, Mr Mendelsson stressed the importance of sharing his

experiences with young people so that the terrible events of the 1930s and 40s are not repeated.

The visit of Mr Mendelsson was instigated by Emily Redican-Bradford and Laura Heath, two History students

who took part in the Lessons from Auschwitz Project this year. For the past six years, pairs of QE students

have visited Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland and have gone on to share their experiences with their

fellow students. Laura and Emily are to be congratulated for suggesting this visit and we were honoured to

play host to such an interesting and engaging guest. Steven brought to life the events of the 1930s and our

students were absorbed by his story and charmed by the man himself. He has demonstrated better than any

History book can, the importance of History as a subject and the need to learn from the past.

History Club has continued to meet every month. In April, Dennis Perkins, a local historian and alumni of the

Grammar school, delivered a History Club on the history of QE to mark the 450th birthday celebrations of

the College. There has been one History Club this term and this was on the Lindisfarne Gospels. John

Roxborough from Durham University gave a fascinating insight on the book itself and the arrangements put

in place to display the Gospels in Durham. The talk was very well-attended by students and a large number

of members of staff. Those who attended were given the chance to examine a facsimile of the real thing (this

copy itself being worth £15,000).

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37 AS Law students attended Teesside University’s Third Annual Law Conference. Students participated in

two lectures on youth offending and the University’s new student law clinic and chose two workshops to

attend on topics such as ‘Torture’, ‘International criminal law and genocide’, ‘Fingerprints, footprints and

DNA’ and ‘Insanity’. The students really enjoyed the afternoon, with a good number expressing a desire to

study Law at undergraduate level.

In June, as part of the Law department’s HE

Talk during A2/HE Fortnight, 13 former

students now studying Law at university

returned to QE. To 95 AS Law students, they

willingly and enthusiastically spoke about

their experiences studying Law, what their

future plans are, providing tips for UCAS

applications and encouraging our students to

continue with A Level Law to ensure the

knowledge and skills base for starting an LLB

at University. The talk was very successful and well received by the students. Our former students

thoroughly enjoyed returning to QE and want to do so again in forthcoming years.

Kathryn Kilcran has been nominated for the Northumbria University School of Law A Level prize for the

highest achieving AS Law student. The prize (a cheque and certificate) was introduced last year and is

offered to the highest achieving student at QE. Last year’s winner, Matthew Ruddock, was presented with

the prize by Senior Law Lecturer Tony Storey who also came to QE to lecture on problems with the law on

intoxication and insanity.

In September, Law students attended a talk given

by Lady Brenda Hale, Baroness Hale of Richmond,

who is a Judge in the Supreme Court (the Highest

Court in England and Wales). Lady Hale was

recently appointed Deputy President of the Court

and is currently the only female Judge to sit in the

Court. Radio 4 Woman’s Hour named her the

fourth most powerful woman in the UK (which

Lady Hale herself modestly disputes). 30 AS and A2

students heard Lady Hale speak about her life; her

childhood in North Yorkshire (Scorton and

Richmond), her work at the Bar, her academic

teaching, her work for the Law Commission and

appointment as a leading Family Law Judge. Some of our students and staff also had the opportunity to

meet the Judge personally and ask her questions about issues of law they are studying at A Level or

researching for Extended Project. Lady Hale answered their questions fully and graciously . This was a

unique opportunity as members of the judiciary do not usually make public addresses. The students, who all

expressed a desire to study Law in the future, found the talk very interesting and informative.

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In September, 24 A2 Religious Studies students and 2

members of staff attended the exhibition for the

Lindisfarne Gospels at Durham. They enjoyed the

opportunity to see some rare Gospel material and

gain insight into the life and experiences of early

church members/ communities. They also learnt

more about early Northumbrian saints such as St.

Cuthbert. An additional benefit of this visit was a

private tutorial given by the Education staff

connected with this exhibition when the students were given a more personal understanding of the

manuscripts. The tutor leading the lecture talked with extensive knowledge regarding the original scripts but

also gave students the opportunity to touch and closely examine the Victorian copy. One of the students,

Ellen Hall, is keen to embark on a career in Photography and she was given permission to take photographs

and is producing a photographic log of the event for herself and the RS department .The students thoroughly

enjoyed the experience and the exhibition staff have asked to maintain links with our students so that they

can be involved in future events.

Aspiring Politics student Katie Weston is off to Brussels at half term to find

out what it’s like working for an EU organisation. She will spend a week

shadowing prospective Labour MEP Judith Kirton-Darling who currently

works for the European Trades Union Confederation.

Katie, who is a community member of the union Unite, is excited but also

nervous about the prospect of the trip to Brussels and says:

‘I’m not quite sure what to expect but it will be a great experience and will

really enhance my CV. I am sure I will learn a lot.’

Katie, from Billingham, is in her second year at QE studying A Level Politics,

Economics and Sociology. Next year she hopes to go to Hull University to

read Politics.

Languages and Literature

For the second year running, to mark the start of their in-depth study of Andalusia, A2 Spanish students and

Spanish staff, some in traditional costume, had a meal of dishes from the region. These included gazpacho

soup, tortilla and patatas bravas, washed down with (non-alcoholic!) sangria.

The highest ever number of A2 French students participated in our Level 3 NOCN Critical Appreciation of

French Literature course which had a 100% success rate! Students had the opportunity to look at a range of

novels, plays and poems not otherwise covered on the syllabus. This is a great addition to their programme

and is a real asset to all students, but especially to those applying for the most competitive of HE language

courses.

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Maths, Business and Computing

QE’s Maths students teamed up with Greenfield Community College in Newton Aycliffe to create a series of

school house challenges which tested students’ logic, musical maths and quick fire maths but also built on

their team work, confidence and numeracy. The challenges were devised by Helen Greaves from QE and Mrs

Bryony McKie from Greenfield with students from both QE and Greenfield helping. It was a great

opportunity for Greenfield students to meet ex Greenfield students who are now studying A Level Maths at

QE and to see them in action.

The challenges were designed to allow students of

all abilities and ages to access the questions and to

give them a chance to feel the excitement of Maths

and use the subject outside of the traditional

classroom setting. The key thing was to raise the

profile of Maths around the school and show

students that they can do functional Maths.

During the activities, students enjoyed working as

vertical teams with all ages and abilities in each

group. There was a real buzz in the room

throughout which became electric in the final speed round when teams raced each other to the finish. Mr

David Priestly, Headteacher of Greenfield, said:

‘This was a wonderful opportunity to involve the whole school, working with ex-students, to enjoy the

challenge of Maths. It is part of our wider Time 4 Success Programme which supports all our students to

exceed their expectations.’ Whilst a lot of planning and preparation went into organising the challenges, it

was really enjoyable and worthwhile. The QE students thought it was great working with staff and students

from Greenfield and the Maths department hopes to continue to devise activities in the future to raise the

profile and value of Maths in Greenfield and in our other partner schools.

In June, QE’s Maths Department hosted a

Mathematics Competition for Year 9 students from

partner schools. This is the sixth year that the

competition has been held and the College was

delighted that ten partner schools each entered a

team of four students.

The event comprised five rounds of mathematical

challenges, each focusing on different skills

including spatial awareness, problem-solving and

number skills, all completed against the clock. A

number of current AS Maths and Further Maths

students – Lizzy Aumonier, William Thompson, Jake McAleer, Kieran Lobb and Luke Richmond- helped out

with the competition. It was wonderful to see so many budding mathematicians enjoying the challenges

they were set and working effectively together in teams to solve a range of Maths problems. The scores

after each round were close all the way through the competition and this added to the excitement. It was

also an excellent opportunity for our students to work with those from our partner schools. One of the

helpers, Kieran Lobb, took part in the competition three years ago when he was in Year 9 at Hummersknott

and was on the winning team! We look forward to seeing many of the Year 9 students who took part this

year, studying Maths at QE in the future. The first prize was awarded to the team from Hummersknott

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Academy, with Woodham Academy in second place and Bedale High School a close third. All of the students

who participated received a certificate to recognise their contributions and achievement.

QE’s Computing and ICT students have been helping to develop the skills of pupils in partner schools.

Hurworth’s gifted and talented students, who are working towards their Duke of Edinburgh award, followed

a 12 week study programme teaching them new skills of programming mobile Apps centered around a game

design. They worked through six tutorials to build their skills and then designed their own game drawing out

what the designs looked like and eventually implementing them using MIT App inventor which is used as a

good tool to introduce programming. All students were successful with this and get presented with a

certificate at their school presentation evening. DSMS have also been in QE with a selection of their students

and they had to navigate robots around a cone maze using programming skills. They worked in teams and

had to program the robot taking into account the factors of the motor speed and the degree of angle they

wanted to turn. The ASSET trust schools have also been in Computing and they participated in ‘Battle Bots’

where they programmed an onscreen tank with an attack strategy and a defence strategy. When everyone

had finished, they uploaded their tank and battle commenced! There were three rounds and modifications

could be made in between. This fun activity developed the pupils’ understanding of simple programming

techniques as well as problem solving and strategy skills.

Science, Sport and Leisure

Chemistry students from QE have regained their title as ‘North East Champions’ of the Schools’ Analyst

Competition. For the third time in four years a team from QE has won this prestigious regional event

organised by the Analytical Division of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Cameron Grove, Daneille Murdock and Erin

Watson represented the College, expertly

completing a series of practical determinations

based on Chemistry problems relevant to

industrial and social needs. The students were

judged on their safety, teamwork, understanding

and accuracy. They rose to any challenge they

were set and were a credit to the College.

Cameron, Daneille and Erin are three exceptional

scholars who have demonstrated a real aptitude

for Chemistry and were very worthy winners. The

team went on to represent the North East Region

in the 2013 National Schools’ Analyst Competition at the University of Sunderland in June. Erin Watson

commented: ‘The competition was difficult and challenging but very enjoyable. It was great to use the labs

at Teesside University to gain an insight into university life and the professional world of Chemists.’

In September, over 70 second year Geographers attended their three day residential in the Lake District.

Taken over two trips, they experienced a number of practical based fieldwork activities ranging from river,

sand dune, urban and rural environments. The students also took part in evening classes where they

processed the data they collected during the day. The students on both trips were fantastic and a credit to

the College. The first group, in particular, demonstrated great patience in the typical Lake District weather!

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First year Leisure, Sport and Travel students visited Alton Towers in September to carry out a mystery shop,

in order to evaluate the customer service provided by the organisation. The students moved around the

facility, making notes on how well they were dealt with by staff, and the levels of cleanliness and general

service. Following the investigation the students then went and tested the rides, including the new 14 loop

roller coaster The Smiler, which certainly was only for the brave.

In October, Year Two Sports students visited St James’s Park in Newcastle. The students enjoyed a very

informative tour of the stadium, including the Directors’ box, dug out and the changing rooms. This was

followed by a talk on how the club markets itself, which is the unit being studied by the students at this

point.

As part of QE’s 450th birthday celebrations, a group of students

organised a Sports Day for other members of the student population.

The students, running the event as part of their Community Sport

Leader Award, spent time both organising and publicising it. Linking

into the historical element of the celebrations, the afternoon included

numerous ‘old-school’ sports day games such as the sack race and

culminated in a ‘tug-of-war’ competition. There was also a member of

Darlington Archery Club present, giving demonstrations and discussing

opportunities for students to try Archery in the local area. The

afternoon of the 450 Sports Day was a great success. All the games and

races were great fun and thoroughly enjoyed by participants and

spectators. It was brilliant to establish a link with the Archery Club and

it added to the historical element of the day.

Students, coaches, staff, friends and family

gathered at QE to celebrate the College’s

outstanding success in sport over the last year.

The annual Sports Awards Ceremony was a fitting

tribute to the success of so many individuals,

teams and volunteers who selflessly give up their

time to inspire others and help them get involved

in sport.

The Awards were presented by former QE student

and current USA University Football Scholar,

Andrew Kelly who is studying Business Studies at

St Peter’s University in New York. Andrew is a role model for students as he highlights how QE can be a

springboard to propel individuals into sport and go on to achieve great things.

The evening was a complete success and thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. A large number of our

students participate in a wide range of sports at all levels, and we are extremely proud of their

achievements. We were delighted that Andrew Kelly was able to present the awards as he is an inspiration

to others. For their all-round sporting prowess, Dan Wood and Helen Murray were named Sportsman and

Sportswoman of the Year. Other key awards were presented to Alex Sayer for her vast contribution to sport

in the community, and to Will Crossen for service to sport.

Please follow the link below to see the video shown at QE’s recent Sports Award Ceremony

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpJUCgTz8rA

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Volunteering and leadership are a large part of QE’s

sporting success and a group of students recently

found out that all the hard work pays off.

Earlier this year, a number of students completed a

Sports Makers’ workshop delivered by Tees Valley

Sport, where they developed skills and found out more

about the benefits of volunteering in the community.

The students were then tasked with finding a sport

placement and challenged to complete at least 10 hours of volunteering. All the students involved

completed the 10 hours and there was some brilliant feedback from coaches and clubs where the students

volunteered.

A large proportion continued their volunteering work and made a real contribution to the community. As a

reward, sixteen of them were invited to the Tees Barrage International White Water Centre for introductory

sessions in kayaking. It was great to hear about the positive work the students did with so many different

clubs and groups. It was also brilliant to be able to offer them the reward of the sessions at the Tees Barrage

and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Kayaking is another of the new sporting activities being offered

at the College, with sessions being introduced from September.

A number of QE students recently completed the

RFU’s Level 1 Leaders’ Award, aimed at training

young rugby players within colleges. The Award

was delivered over a full day where the students

demonstrated skills in leading warm up games,

officiating small sided matches, coaching skills and

drills, and dealing with different scenarios faced by

coaches. The day also focused on developing

touch rugby coaching skills, how the students can

help in developing the RFU’s ’02 Touch’ product

and how these skills can help develop girls’ rugby,

one of the sports being re-introduced to QE.

The day was a huge success. The students showed a great level of knowledge and responsibility, and the

skills on show were good to see. QE is further developing links with the two rugby clubs in Darlington which,

along with the support we receive from local RFU officers, is seeing the re-introduction of girls’ rugby and 02

Touch in the College rugby off season. The students who completed this Award will be an integral part of

these plans, taking responsibility for assisting with coaching and publicising new sessions throughout

College.

In May, 23 students completing the Community Sports

Leaders’ Award went into Northwood Primary School to

organise games and sports and to encourage the children to

continue their running of 450 miles to celebrate QE’s 450th

birthday. We have worked closely with Northwood Primary

for the last 3 to 4 years with our students visiting the school

to lead and assist with a multitude of sports sessions

including running, badminton and general games. We have

also had Northwood pupils coming in to College to take part

in events and it’s been a valuable experience for all

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concerned. Northwood was involved in our 450th anniversary celebrations with pupils running a combined

total of 450 miles, clocking up laps around their school field and tracking progress on a map of Britain. The

distances were recorded on the ‘QE Project 450’ display in the school – it was great!

Our students gain so much from working with Northwood. They learn to take responsibility and plan with

care so that pupils really enjoy the sessions. The link with Northwood is brilliant and we are grateful for the

opportunities the school gives our students in developing skills and volunteering.

In October, members of the QE Sport Student Management Team presented the roles and responsibilities of

their group to College senior managers. The group spoke about how their values and mission matched those

of the College and how they were looking to promote QE and college sport to schools and the wider

community as well as other college students. The Sport Student Management Team is focused on

participation, elite sport, leadership & volunteering and have a fantastic mission statement and great work

ethic. The presentation followed by a Question & Answer session was a massive success and the students

were thrilled with the feedback received from College management. As part of their role in College, the

students on the Sport Management Team work closely with the sport members of staff to develop sport in

College, partner schools and in community groups. Their work will continue throughout the year with regular

input from Sports staff and Senior Management.

To celebrate National Women’s football week (7th – 11th October) QE’s students took up the challenge to

help increase the profile of women’s football by taking part in a Futsal Taster Session. Delivered by QE Sports

Co-ordinator Paul Carroll and QE Sport Management Team students James Marshall, Sam Read and Luke

Kershaw, they started the session by giving demonstrations of the rules, introducing the new players to

Futsal and playing fun relaxed games. The 14 girls who participated were taught the basic rules and skills

used in Futsal, and there was also a question and answer session about Futsal. At the end of the session all

of the girls received an FA 150 Years celebration T-Shirt as a memento and 2 students, Hannah Mattinson

and Amber Hemming received extra prizes of a training jumper and training jacket for impressing the

coaches during the session. Further female Futsal sessions have been arranged as the taster was so

successful. We also hope to develop some TEAM 19 Futsal Leagues/sessions for girls in College and to build

on our already successful Female Football Programme.

At the British Colleges Sport North East competition

at Maiden Castle, Durham University in October

there were many successes for QE students. In

tennis, Jake Boggon and Alex Grocott qualified for

BCS National Finals at Bath in April as winners of

the Boys’ Doubles. Shaun Elgie finished joint first in

the Boys’ Singles – we are awaiting a count of

points etc to see if he has qualified. Other students

to have qualified for the national finals include, in

badminton, Beth Vickerman and Finn Connor-

Watson who won the Mixed Doubles and Laura

Burdis who won the Girls’ Singles. Rob Pearce also qualified in Squash. The rugby 7s team won all its games

against Gateshead Academy, East Durham College Academy, Prior Pursglove College and Middlesbrough

College en route to the final where they were narrowly beaten by Hartlepool Sixth Form College who

therefore qualify for National Finals. The basketball team lost all 3 games but showed great spirit and had a

really enjoyable day at the competition against some very good academy teams. A fantastic day was had by

all and all of the students were a credit to the College; demonstrating good sportsmanship as well as great

ability.

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16 year old Hannah Lindsay has won a place at Newcastle

Eagles’ School of Excellence. Basketball is in her family

and Hannah took up the sport after supporting her

brothers who play in national leagues.

Hannah explains:

‘I’ve always been athletic and play cricket and hockey for

the town but didn’t expect to get this chance of being

coached by the Eagles and playing for them at Under 18

level. I’m still very new to the game and have a lot to

learn. I feel it’s a great achievement but I’m still in shock

by it.’

Hannah Marshall left QE three years ago but has maintained strong

links with College, regularly returning to help with sport and passing

on her experience of volunteering to current students. She has just

graduated from Northumbria University with a degree in Applied

Sports Science with Coaching and was one of 150 people in the

country being awarded for their services to grassroots football by

being invited to Buckingham Palace to meet Prince William. Hannah’s

energy and commitment to grass roots sport are phenomenal and she

really deserves this recognition. After getting involved in football,

coaching and the Football Futures programme in her time at QE, she’s

gone on to do more and more. She spent this summer at the Fountain

of Hope, a centre for street children in Lusaka, Zambia coaching

football and educating the children about HIV/AIDS. She is a role

model for others and everyone at QE is so proud of her.

Hannah adds:

‘I can’t believe it’s three years since I left QE – it’s always great to come back to College and help out! QE got

me started with my real involvement in sport and I’ve now been lucky to be appointed to the full- time post

of Student Sport President for Team Northumbria, co-ordinating student sport at Northumbria University. In

my very little spare time I continue to be a Football Futures Ambassador for Durham FA and a very proud

player for Newcastle United Women’s Football Club. I was very excited about going down to Buckingham

Palace and will always be grateful to QE for getting me started with volunteering.’

Miscellaneous

QE celebrated its 450th birthday by officially opening the

£3.8m building and refurbishment projects which have been

completed over the last 18 months.

Current and former students and members of staff joined

local head teachers, primary school pupils and other invited

guests to tour the new facilities which include the Stanhope

Building with a superb Dance Studio, an extended and

refurbished Library, additional study areas on a mezzanine

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floor over the Atrium, a revamped Science laboratory and new state of the art Media rooms.

Guests were treated to musical, dramatic and dance performances by current students and also admired the

work and talents of Media, Science and Health and Social Care students. Strawberries and cream and a

specially made 450th birthday cake were enjoyed before the ribbon was cut by Erin Denny and Daisy

Catterall, the former and current Vice-Presidents of the College’s Student Association, to mark the official

opening. The official granting of the Royal Charter by Elizabeth 1 was in June 1563 and was the result of a

petition from Henry Neville, Earl of Westmoreland and James Pilkington, Bishop of Durham. There had

probably been a grammar school attached to St Cuthbert’s Church from the early 13th century but it had

fallen into disrepair and was struggling financially. Hence, the petition and the Charter which led to the ‘free

grammar school of Queen Elizabeth’ being established. Since then QE has gone from strength to strength,

moving onto its present site in Stanhope Road in 1878 with its iconic building designed by George Hoskins.

The boys’ grammar school came to an end in 1970 with the reorganisation of education in Darlington and

the current Sixth Form College was then founded. It is one of the leading sixth form colleges in the country.

The College’s official opening of its new buildings and refurbished areas was a wonderful way to continue

celebrating the College’s 450th birthday. While valuing the past, we are very much focused on the success of

current and future students. Here’s to another 450 years of excellence!

As part of the College’s 450 anniversary celebrations, students at QE

were congratulated for their eagerness to undertake an outstanding

range of voluntary work. During a Volunteering Awards Ceremony, the

students’ commitment, energy and desire to improve the lives of

others were deservedly celebrated.

In a packed College Hall, the large number of students nominated for

awards were joined by family, friends, staff and representatives from

community groups. The audience listened to inspirational accounts of

the amount and nature of voluntary work the students participated in

including working with children, vulnerable adults and people with

disabilities; raising money for charities and helping with College and

community projects.

Outstanding Contribution Awards were awarded to Danny Stevens;

Project Romania students and Rosie Burns.

Danny regularly volunteered at St.Teresa’s Hospice and the Education Centre for Children with Down’s

Syndrome, and raised over £3000 for St.Teresa’s by having all of his hair shaved off in the Student Common

Room. He is passionate about voluntary work saying, “I gain so much personally from helping at St.Teresa’s

and ECCDS, receiving more than I give.” Danny’s selfless and enthusiastic approach is appreciated greatly by

all those who know him.

Project Romania saw 18 students and two members of staff working on a project based around the Roma

community. The students worked closely with the Community, digging foundations for new homes,

plastering others using traditional techniques and organising English and sporting activities for the children.

Prior to going to Romania, the students embarked on a wide range of fundraising events to provide toys and

educational materials for the local children. The exiled Princess Helen of Romania visited QE to give her

support to the project. The experience had a profound impact on the volunteers and their work significantly

improved the lives of the people in Romania they worked with.

Rosie, the President of the College’s Student Association, came up with the idea of Project 450 to mark QE’s

450th anniversary. Wishing to promote the benefits of voluntary work, a target was set for students to carry

out 450 acts of volunteering and to record these on an online portal. The target was very quickly exceeded,

clearly showing how community spirited the students of QE are. The awards night, hosted by students Daisy

Catterall and Andrew Backhouse, was a great success with students and guests enjoying cheese and wine

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and performances by Costa Del Soul, winners of the College’s Battle of the Bands competition. The prizes

were presented by leaders of community groups and charities within the local area who spoke about the

benefits of volunteering. All of the students received certificates in recognition of the fabulous work they did

to improve the lives of others. It was a very special evening.

Full list of winners

Working with people with disabilities – Danny Harsley

Contribution to Sport – Rachel Layfield-Carroll

Contribution to the Community – Anna Morgan

Working with Adults – Nick Williams

Working with Children – Callum Gibb-Lenahan

Charity and Fundraising – Teenage Cancer Trust Fundraisers (Chris Brack; Daniel Cheyne; Natalie Garner;

Emily Warman)

QE Volunteer – Andrew Backhouse

Outstanding Contribution Awards – Danny Stevens; Project Romania Students; Rosie Burns

Also to mark QE’s 450th Birthday Celebrations, a

mass walk around Stanhope Park was organised.

The aim was to have at least 450 walkers and,

hopefully, clock up 450 miles!

A group of students organised the event as part of

their Community Sports Leaders’ Award, publicising

it and marshalling the route during the walk. To

enhance the experience, historical guides to the

Park and surrounding area were produced by Linda

Chadd, the College’s archivist. The walk was a

tremendous success. We managed to encourage over 450 students and staff out into the Park to enjoy the

exercise and fresh air whilst celebrating the College’s 450th Birthday. Thanks go to the Community Sports

Leaders who did a great job in both publicising the event and ensuring that everything went smoothly. We

are delighted that we met our target of 450 walkers and engaged so many students and staff in physical

activity during their day.

The opening of the College over the National

Heritage Weekend was a huge success.

It was decided to open QE up to visitors to link in

with the College’s 450th birthday celebrations and

the range of people who took advantage of the

opportunity was reflective of the role QE plays in

the local community. Old boys from QE, when it

was a grammar school, enjoyed reminiscing and

seeing parts of the College which had been out of

bounds to them in the1950s and 1960s; current

students and their parents enjoyed exploring both

the historical and new parts of the campus; some,

with no personal links to the College, enjoyed just

finding out more. It was a fabulous day and it was great to welcome so many visitors to the College. It was

very worthwhile and an excellent way to continue our anniversary celebrations.

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2013 has been an exceptional year for applications to Medicine and Dentistry from students at QE.

One applicant, Callum Scott from Newton Aycliffe who previously attended Woodham Academy, received

four offers for Medicine, the maximum possible. He began his Medical Degree at Manchester University in

the Autumn. Abigail Neasham from Hurworth received two offers and is studying at Cardiff, Vicky Theakston

(Hummersknott Academy) and Danny Stevens (Hurworth School) both went to Leicester. Josh Fick (Ian

Ramsey School , Stockton) went to Liverpool, James Carberry (Sedgefield Community College) is studying at

Birmingham and Charlotte Bromley from

Greenfield School , Newton Aycliffe is staying

closer to home and begins her Medical Degree at

Durham.

Additionally, Katherine Ellison, who left QE in 2012

and then volunteered at an elephant sanctuary in

Sri Lanka, secured a place to read Medicine at

Aberdeen. She attended Wensleydale School

before taking A Levels at QE. Volunteering with

her was Amy Bowers from Teesdale who began

her Veterinary Medicine Degree at Liverpool in

September.

Applicants for Dentistry were equally successful with Hannah Collinson from St.Michael’s School in

Billingham receiving three offers and opting to study at Leeds. Amir Treifi from Woodham Academy went to

Manchester and Christiane Bethge from Carmel College journeyed to the far South West to study Dentistry

in Plymouth. We are very pleased to see so many of our students gaining places on these extremely

competitive courses. They have been faced with many challenges – entrance tests, rigorous interviews and

the need to gain relevant work experience whilst striving to achieve excellent A Level results. They represent

QE’s wide geographical intake of students and started courses across the length and breadth of the UK. We

congratulate them on their achievements so far and wish them success in their courses and future careers.

Many of the Medical applicants benefited from the excellent work experience scheme run by James Cook

University Hospital.

QE has launched its Future Engineers Scheme. The

unique initiative raises the profile of the diverse

opportunities within engineering and builds upon

QE’s longstanding tradition of students becoming

engineers and having fantastic careers all over the

world. It involves the College working in

partnership with employers, universities,

Darlington Borough Council and training providers

to give students experience, practical skills and

insight into the wide range of exciting careers

within the engineering industry. The scheme will

also raise awareness of the work local employers are doing on cutting edge projects as well as highlighting

the excellent prospects of working globally as an engineer. Providers will collaborate to ensure students

understand the educational routes into engineering and help prepare them for future university or job

applications.

Thirty- four second year students have already won places on the scheme and it will be opened to new first

year students in the near future. QE’s Future Engineers will benefit from opportunities including work

experience, visits to organisations, links with university engineering departments, talks from local companies

and engineers, mentoring and e- mentoring. There is an excellent network of employers to support the

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scheme. Those currently involved are: Mechtool, AMEC, Cummins, MODUS, Henry Williams, Jacobs, Deep

Ocean, Whessoe Oil & Gas, James Cook University Hospital, Bagby International Airfield, Glaxo Smith Kline

and Rolls Royce.

Student, Edward John hopes to study engineering at Cambridge and is delighted to be part of the Scheme.

He says: ‘It’s a fantastic way to gain experience and make links with well-known companies. I’m hoping to

have opportunities with MODUS or Rolls Royce and am confident that this will help me with my future

career plans.’ The College is very excited about our Future Engineers Scheme and working with other

organisations to help prepare our students for progression, as well as giving them an insight into engineering

as a career. We are looking forward to helping create engineers for the future!

During the College’s HE/Careers fortnight in June, tutors provided an insight into studying their subject at

university and admissions staff from local and national universities inspired students with their enthusiasm

for courses ranging from Maths to Physiotherapy. Following the government’s initiative highlighting the

need for engineers, Loughborough University gave a fascinating insight into the wide range of opportunities

in engineering, including biotechnology. Future employability was also a key theme with the Assistant Dean

of Recruitment & Marketing from Teesside University advising students on how to prepare and approach the

job market. Students used their creative and technical skills in an interactive Music Technology session,

gaining hands-on experience in state of the art studios at Teesside University. Aspiring medics heard about

life as a Junior Doctor from former QE students who gave the benefit of their experience and tips on getting

into medical school. A second year undergraduate from Durham University highlighted the diverse range of

careers within the finance industry including how to become a forensic accountant and, during the fortnight,

there was much more…. The whole event was a resounding success with student, Suraj Saggar, commenting:

“This has been a fantastic fortnight. I have found out so much more about studying at university as well as

specific information about working in finance.”

Parents were supported too as they attended information evenings where they were given a detailed

introduction to higher education. Sarah MacLeod, from Student Support Services at Teesside University

allayed some of the misconceptions and fears surrounding Student Finance. One parent commented:

“This has been so useful. It is apparent to us how well each student is prepared for future opportunities and

has really helped us to understand how to apply to university and about finance. Thank you QE.”

Students and staff at QE once again celebrated

exceptional A Level results which were a credit to

both students and staff who worked together with

such determination and commitment to maximise

success. The overall pass rate of 99% was

tremendous and even more exceptional when

taking into account the vast number of entries –

more than 900 students were entered for two and

a half thousand exams in 52 different subjects. It

was also a superb achievement that half the

students attained the top grades of A*, A and B.

Indeed 89 students were awarded 135 A* grades after gaining over 90% in all of their second year A Level

modules. We have much to celebrate and be proud of!

There were many incredible individual success stories including Dominic Birch from Long Newton who was

awarded 5 straight A*s and Michel Jones from Sedgefield who attained 4 A*s.

Dominic’s 5A*s were in English Literature, History, Maths, Further Maths and Extended Project whilst

Michael’s 4 A*s were for Physics, Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths. Dominic progressed to Durham

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University to study History and English whilst Michael is reading Engineering at Cambridge University. A

further 35 students attained 4 A*/A grades – an outstanding achievement.

Callum Scott had an unusual dilemma when he

received the maximum four offers to study Medicine.

East Anglia, Hull York, Liverpool and Manchester

medical schools all wanted Callum after he had

impressed them throughout their gruelling application

process. Callum who achieved top grades in A level

Chemistry, Biology, German and Maths has chosen to

go to Manchester as he will have the opportunity to

spend some of his clinical time in Germany, using his

German language skills.

Callum thoroughly deserves his success. He has been

an exceptional student who acted upon advice and

prepared an excellent application for Medicine. We

were not surprised when he received four offers and are confident that he will cope superbly with his

Medical studies.

A Levels are the gold standard of qualifications and open up a myriad of opportunities to students, whether

it is moving into the world of work or on to university. Increasingly, students are gaining higher level

apprenticeships on the strength of their A levels and Rebecca Aiken has done just this.

Becca completed her A Levels in Psychology, Maths and Geology

and secured her ‘dream’ apprenticeship at the Head Office of EE

(Everything Everywhere) in Darlington. Whilst studying at College,

Becca worked part time at Morrisons supermarket which gave her

a sense of purpose and an aspiration to join the world of work

after A Levels. She started applying for apprenticeships using the

National Apprenticeship Website and had a number of interviews

which led to her securing this fantastic opportunity in the Human

Resources and Business Department at EE. The recruitment

process was rigorous and Becca is delighted that EE are welcoming

her to their team and is very much looking forward to a fulfilling

career in the future. Becca will now work towards higher level

work based qualifications that will add to her portfolio of

qualifications.

Becca adds:

‘This is a dream come true. The apprenticeship path is right for me and I was supported all the way by the

careers staff and teachers at QE. I couldn’t wait to start in September.’

EE is a long established company in Darlington and it is now listed as one of The Times Newspapers Top 25

Big Companies to work for.

Jodie Mitchell suffers from cystic fibrosis but this was not a barrier to her gaining

the best possible A Level results. At QE, Jodie studied A Level Health & Social

Care, Theatre Studies and Fine Art and, last year, also completed AS Levels in

General Studies and Art & Design Critical Studies. Her illness did not stop her

from achieving and she really does deserve her success. Over the last two years

Jodie was often unwell but was always determined to continue with her studies.

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At times it was very difficult, especially when she had to miss lessons but she always made every effort to

catch up. Jodie is an exceptional individual and deserves her success. She progressed on to the Art

Foundation course at QE and hopes to eventually go on to university to study Fine Art.’ Jodie adds:

‘At times it has been hard but I just had to get on with it. I’ve enjoyed my studies and am looking forward to

starting Art Foundation’.

During the summer vacation, QE student, Alexia Yiannouli volunteered

in Corfu’s donkey sanctuary. Alexia wants to become a vet and the

experience will be invaluable in helping her achieve her ambition.

On earlier visits to the sanctuary, Alexia was appalled at the condition of

some of the donkeys that entered the refuge – old, sick, abused and

abandoned animals that, without the help of the charity, would be

slaughtered.

Alexia says:

‘Animal welfare in Greece is very different from that in the UK and the

Corfu Donkey Sanctuary is aiming to make a difference. However, their

funding is not secure and they face severe financial difficulties in

providing shelter, security and veterinary care for the animals that come to them. I hope to help in some

small way and want to publicise their incredible work.’

In addition to going out to volunteer in Corfu, Alexia has done some fundraising inside and outside of College

to support the sanctuary. For further information about the sanctuary, log on to www.corfu-donkeys.com

Teachers of Chez Walbey commented that they have yet to meet a more determined young woman in terms

of changing her academic achievement around. In the summer, with the support and encouragement of her

teachers Chez achieved the following grades – Law B (target grade D); Psychology B (target grade D);

Sociology B (target grade C/D). Chez’s grades are a testimony to her hard work and commitment to her own

studies but also to the opportunities she was given in College. She represented the tutor group as the

Students Association representative in order to boost her personal statement; an opportunity she fully

appreciated as it helped her to demonstrate her commitment and reliability. Chez had some very difficult

personal issues but she never complained; she always just got on with her studies! She successfully achieved

an apprenticeship in Business at a Finance Company, and she intends to apply for university next year with

the aim of securing a career in the police force. She is an exceptional student and a great role model for

others.

Christopher Armstrong, Kate Dow and Robert Lucas successfully completed voluntary work placements at

Liati—Agbonyra Junior Secondary School in Ghana, Sisekelo High School in Swaziland and No.1 Senior High

School of Yihuang in China. The year long placements were arranged with Project Trust; an educational

charity specialising in sending 17-19 year olds on long-term structured international volunteering

placements. The students participated in Teaching, Social Care, Outward Bound and Journalism projects and

developed skills for personal development and future employment. Project Trust contacted QE to commend

these exceptional young people.

Catherine Lucas has just started her Project Trust adventure. In the summer she sat her final A Level exams

in History, Maths and English and then flew out to Guyana to teach Maths and Science in a remote village in

the rainforest. She will spend a year in Guyana before returning to the UK to take up a place at Northumbria

University studying Quantity Surveying. Catherine explains:

‘The selection process for a place with Project Trust was challenging and I was delighted to be accepted. I

wanted to have a Gap Year working in a developing country as it will be a good way of helping others with

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their education and will be a life changing experience for me. There’s a real shortage of teachers, especially

Maths and Science teachers, in Guyana which is the only English speaking country in South America and I do

think I can make a difference.’

Catherine had to raise a total of £5,400 to fund her work in Guyana and did so through a variety of fund

raising events such as a band night at the Northern Echo Arena, home of Darlington Mowden Park Rugby

Club.

Following a very successful and well-received

exhibition in Darlington’s Crown Street Library, two

framed prints of Bob Hattersley’s unique maps have

been presented to QE. The copies of ‘Quaker

Darlington’ and ‘Darlington’s Coaching Days’ have

gone on show in the College for students, staff and

visitors to enjoy.

Sometimes known as the ‘Map Man,’ Bob Hattersley

was a pupil and William Barningham scholar at

Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, the forerunner of

Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, so it is fitting

that some of his work was returned to his old school. Bob, who died of cancer aged 61 in 2010, had a

consuming interest in Geography, Geology and Local History and produced intricate and beautifully designed

‘Wainwright’ style maps which captured his interest in locations and activities in the North East.

The maps were presented to the College by Bob’s wife, Jean, to commemorate Bob’s love of his old school

and his gratitude for the opportunities it gave him to go to university and to develop his love of cricket as an

opening bowler for the school’s First XI. The maps are absolutely fascinating. The detail is incredible and it’s

a pleasure to pore over them and discover so much about the history of Darlington. This year is the 450th

anniversary of the founding of the College and Bob’s maps very much fit in with our increased interest in the

history of the town. We were extremely pleased to have the maps in College and displayed them with pride.

As well as creating maps as a hobby, Bob was a dedicated and well-loved Geography teacher at

Hummersknott School for all of his working life. He was also a founder member of the folk group Fourum

and a keen cricketer with Darlington Cricket Club. His wife and friends established the Bob Hattersley

Memorial Fund to support research into the kidney cancer that caused his premature death. Copies of the

maps can be purchased in aid of this charitable cause. For further details email fourum1@tiscali.co.uk

Facing tough competition for places, Matthew Kirtley

and Malcolm Glennie, were selected to spend two

week all- expenses paid internships in London.

Matthew worked in the fast-paced environment of

global investment banking with J.P. Morgan whilst

Malcolm’s internship was with the Cabinet Office in

Whitehall, working in the government’s Digital

Service.

The placements were through the Social Mobility

Foundation which provides a variety of residential

internship programmes for high achieving students,

offering a great opportunity to gain a real insight into the professions, learning and developing skills whilst

being mentored by experts.

Both students gained a great deal from living and working in London and are grateful for the

recommendations and support they had from staff at QE to secure the placements.

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Matthew comments:

“I enjoyed my time with J.P. Morgan, met many interesting characters and gained an insight into the

financial sector which I’d never have had otherwise. Working with so many talented and kind individuals at

J.P. Morgan dispelled many myths and made me all the more confident as to my future career in finance.’

Malcolm adds:

‘I was nervous at first but was made to feel very welcome. I have certainly grown in confidence and have

developed my communication, presentation, research and people skills. I feel very privileged to have been

given such a wonderful opportunity to work in Whitehall and discover more about the workings of our

government and international institutions.’

At QE Matthew is studying A Level Physics, Politics, Philosophy and Maths, whilst Malcolm‘s A Levels are in

Geography, History and Politics. Both hope to win Oxbridge places, Matthew to study Philosophy, Politics

and Economics and Malcolm to read a degree in History.

Students from QE had their achievements

recognised at Teesside University’s annual

Passport Pride Awards Ceremony.

Cameron Grove and Thomas Parsons-Munn won

their awards for academic excellence. Cameron,

described as a “brilliant Mathematician,”

represented the College in the regional Royal

Society of Chemistry Schools Analyst competition

and went on to the national finals at Sunderland

University. He also represented QE in

badminton at the National Colleges Sport Finals

at Loughborough University. Thomas, who has

maintained first class standards since arriving at College with excellent GCSE results, not only achieved

outstanding exam results but is also known for his exceptional contribution to extra-curricular activities. He

was a prize winner in a College poetry competition, is an active member of the Philosophy, Literature and

History Clubs and was the College captain in a recent university challenge at Durham University.

Andrew Backhouse’s award was for his dedication to participation in extracurricular activities that support

his progression into a career as a radio presenter. Andrew began at school as editor in chief of his school

newspaper and has since worked at BBC Radio 1 in London and Cardiff as well as presenting his own shows

on Garrison FM and Mearns FM. He’s also produced podcasts for the Reading and Leeds Festivals and

established QE Radio!

Kiera Prior won her award for outstanding achievement. She has overcome health problems to achieve 100%

attendance at both school and College. In addition, Kiera has spent time working with her church to

fundraise for the Association for Young People with ME and is keen to raise awareness and offer support to

others with the condition. She has also raised money for the charity “Rebuild Mexico” which helps to build

housing in the country. We are very pleased that our students have been recognised not only for their

academic achievements but also for the contributions they make to College life and their wider interests.

We are proud to share in their achievements and wish them success in their future courses and careers.

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Students from QE experienced a life changing trip

to Botswana and Zambia over the summer. The

expedition was the outcome of two years of

fundraising for the students and was organised

with the help of World Challenge, a youth

development organisation. Camping for over 30

nights, the 15 students and 2 members of staff

took part in community projects with local

children and people and enjoyed very different

cultural experiences. On arrival in Botswana, they

were thrown straight in the deep end and wild-

camped for 5 days in the Kalahari Desert with the Bushmen. They had to immediately adapt to having no

running water, no showers and no toilets in the African heat. The Bushmen demonstrated how to survive in

the desert, with a number of medicinal plants, and how to build a home out of branches! A real eye-opening

experience! The Kalahari was followed by a mokoro ride down the Okavango Delta where once again they

wild- camped amongst elephants, zebras, giraffes and hippos, cooking on an open fire and drinking Delta

water. Upon leaving Botswana, the group had the unforgettable chance to experience a sunset boat safari

down the Zambezi, again seeing every animal imaginable. They then travelled to Zambia where they began

their community project. Whilst camping in a little town called Mwandi, the students worked as a team to

build two mud houses for under-privileged families. One of the houses was for a grandmother who was

raising her four grandchildren who had lost their parents to HIV. The expedition was rounded off with a

celebratory meal in a local restaurant back in Livingstone, a definite improvement on some of the food

endured along the way! The students enjoyed the challenge and all got stuck in without question. They

worked incredibly hard both fundraising before the expedition and whilst they were there. They were

excellent ambassadors for the College and it was definitely a life changing experience. To thank everyone

who supported them, without whom the expedition could not have happened, the students and staff held a

presentation evening on their return. A video of their adventures, accompanied by wine and cheese, was

enjoyed and all agreed that it was a most worthy and life-changing experience. Three of the students and

two members of staff also joined the Darlington Rotary club for lunch to thank its members for their

assistance as students had been supported financially towards their trip to Botswana and the upcoming visit

to Ethiopia. A short video of the Botswana trip was shown, with the students then outlining the high points

of their trip, and what it had meant to them. A question and answer session took place, where the students

explained how they had coped with the different cultures, food and toilet facilities. The QE students and

staff thoroughly enjoyed discussing the expeditions with the Rotary Club and its members were also

extremely interested in their experiences.

The Project Ethiopia students are due to leave on the 20th October. In order to get the most out of the trip,

a fitness programme has been put in place. The last six weeks have even seen them take part in a mix of

bootcamp and megafit. This gave some of the students a wake up call in relation to their levels of fitness.

They were also joined by Beccy Stannard and Nancy Wall the two members of staff going on the trip. Hard

work for all involved, but also a great experience.

In September, students and staff were given advice about Health and Well-being at the College’s Health

Roadshow. A large number of health professionals and representatives of community groups attended to

explain their services and to publicise volunteering opportunities. These included visitors from: Dolphin

Centre; College Nurses; Chlamydia screening team; Switch; Blood Donors; CASH (Contraception and Sexual

Health) Nurse; Gay Advice Darlington and Durham; First Stop; St Theresa’s Hospice; Age UK Darlington;

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Co-op Pharmacy; Samaritans; Family Health and Health Watch. The event was a great success with students

and staff benefiting from the input of such a wide variety of organisations.

Students and members of staff celebrated Black History Month which is held every October in Britain and is

a national campaign. The aims are to: promote knowledge of the Black History, Cultural and Heritage;

disseminate information on positive Black contributions to British Society and heighten the confidence and

awareness of Black people to their cultural heritage. Profiles of influential black people, both from the past

and present, were displayed around the College and a competition based on these profiles was held.

Postcards and messages were put up in tutor rooms, and a special display of books was arranged in the

Library to encourage students to read the works of black writers or to find out more about figures from

history, including some who have become marginalised over time. Teachers were also encouraged to

highlight the aims of the campaign via their lessons.

To celebrate the contribution older people make to society, QE students participated in several events in

Darlington’s town centre as part of Older People’s Day. The theme for the day was “Intergeneration” and the

event was jointly organised by Darlington Borough Council, Age UK Darlington, GOLD and the NHS. It was

designed to showcase the achievements and

aspirations of older people and the younger

generation in Darlington; epitomised by the day’s

slogan “Full of Life”. QE students were delighted to

be a part of the event, and enjoyed celebrating the

day with members of the public.

Members of the Student Association Executive

joined in a 1940s style Tea Dance in the Dolphin

Centre and were thrilled to learn many new

dances. They also listened to presentations about

the Good Friends initiative being established across

Darlington that aims to encourage people to

commit just a few minutes a day or week to

improve the life of a neighbour. Tom Johnston,

President of the SA Executive, signed a pledge to support the scheme on behalf of QE.

In the market square, members of QE’s Sports Management Team led an exercise routine which was very

popular and well-received. The routine, consisting of exercises to help with posture, balance and suppleness,

involved the students and older members of the community working together and supporting one another.

Everyone really enjoyed themselves and got a lot out of the session. The students’ hard-work in putting the

routine together was deservedly recognised with an impromptu round of applause at the end!

QE’s Art Students led visitors to the Crown Street Library in the “Big Draw”; an event designed to encourage

everyone to have a go at expressing themselves through Art. Again, the students were delighted to be

involved in supporting this project.

Members of the Student Association Executive then furthered their connection with Age UK Darlington by

visiting the charity’s centre; Bradbury House. Gillian Peel, the Chief Executive, gave the group a guided tour

including the day centre, café and the Reminiscence Room which was paid for by the fundraising efforts of

last year’s students. Gillian also explained the services, campaigns and volunteering schemes organised by

the charity. The students finished their visit by chatting to some of the customers and helping with a quiz

and game of bingo.

Laurence Job