Please click here to download the new PE kit list for September 2019

The latest copy of ‘The Griffin’ Newletter is now available to download.  Please click here to view

The Art and Design Department recently

took 18 year 9,10 and 11’s students to Milan on a memorable and activity packed trip.

The students were able to photograph the beautiful cathedral, Duomo and other notable architecture in Milan as well as taking part in a bespoke atelier fashion workshop with a famous Italian tailor.

Students enjoyed eating Italian food,  strolling through the shopping district, and visiting the home of Armani’s world famous designs.  Tired feet were rested on a scenic boat trip along the Navigli Canal, after a long day sight seeing.

Students no doubt will use the inspirational visit as a basis for future projects for Art, Photography and Textiles GCSE coursework.

Textile Artist, Nikki Parmenter visited us yesterday to teach the Year 10 girls new textile & mixed media techniques. The girls work will create artwork for their Art & Design/Textiles portfolios which will be completed next year.

On the 8th of July we finally opened our newly furnished fitness suite, we are absolutely thrilled with the finished product, the attention to detail and calibre of equipment is so much more than we ever expected. We could not have done this without the support of all the children on MAD day back in October, raising a staggering £5000. Also Mr Mike Jones who won a £7000 bid from MBNA and £1000 from BALPHE, we are hugely grateful to both Mike and these organisation for all their support. We would also like to thank the school and Mr Agnew for contributing towards the cost of the fitness suite. Finally, we owe a huge debt of gratitude to Mr Craig Young, a parent at the school and a local business owner, he has gone above and beyond to make our vision a reality, providing a gym costing in the region of £25,000 for a lot less, his time and attention to detail has really made the fitness suite a magnificent place for our students and staff to improve their health and wellbeing.

Thank you so much to everyone for all your help.

Darland High School 2019 Prom photographs are now available to view and download.  Please click on the link below to enlarge

Please see below a timetable of the Revision sessions for Year 10 and Year 11 during the May half term

Tuesday 28th May

Science (Mainly Year 10) – 11.00am until 1.00pm – Science Staff
English Year 11  –  9.00am until 12.00pm  – Miss Shoosmith and Mr Dawson

Play Rehersal     –  1.00pm until  4.00pm  – Mr Dawson and Mr Winterbottom

Friday 29th May

English – 9.00am until 12.00pm – Ms Godwin
English – 11.00am until  1.00pm – Mrs Tate
Maths   – 9.00am until 12.00pm – Miss Burgess

Saturday 1st June 

Maths – 9.00am onwards – Dr Edwards and Miss Mountford
History – 1.00pm – 3.00pm  – Mr Agnew

Aaron Aby provided an inspirational speech which resulted in a well deserved spontaneous standing ovation to over 800 students and parents in Darland High School’s annual awards ceremony  in the William Aston Hall recently.

An ex Darland student, a professional Mixed Martial Artist and Coach who is also a Wrexham Gym Owner, Aaron was diagnosed at birth with the genetic condition Cystic Fibrosis. He had to make a conscious effort to look after himself both mentally and physically. Back in 1990, the life expectancy of someone with Cystic Fibrosis was 22 years old. This led Aaron to develop a passion for health and nutrition. Being born with Cystic Fibrosis had a huge impact on how he treated both his body and mind. It was at a very early age that he developed a clear understanding of the way in which health, nutrition and psychological mindset are linked together and about how each are absolutely crucial to us achieving our potential.

Celebrating the students’ achievements with them, Aaron helped present awards to over 300 students and staff in ahighly memorable evening. A retiring collection raised over £133 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Please click  here to view the Easter Revision Timetable 2019

Glan Llyn pupils.

The trip will be taking place tomorrow (Thursday 31st January)  for two days and one night. Parents can expect a partial refund due to the shortening of the trip. We will be leaving slightly earlier tomorrow to make the most of the day and pupils should come to the hall straight after receiving their registration marks at 9am

Due to adverse weather conditions Darland High School will be closed today.  We are trying to reschedule the Glan Llyn trip for tomorrow and Friday.  Please visit the website later today.

On Thursday the 6th of December, the Science Department were lucky enough to have Techniquest Glyndwr visit with their Cell Dome. This offered our Year 10 pupils with a very unique and interactive learning experience.

Year 10 had the opportunity to enter the dome and engaged really well with a virtual tour through a plant and animal cell, seeing different organelles in action as well as discussing some specialised cells. All of this will help Year 10 to prepare for their Biology GCSE exam in the summer.

On Thursday 29th November the Science Department held a revision event for year 11 students.

We invited 2018 school leavers who achieved exceptionally well in science to come and speak to our current year 11 about tips and methods they used that enabled them to be successful.

It was a really positive atmosphere and our year 11’s left feeling motivated and focused, safe in the knowledge they too could achieve great things in science.

Show Racism the Red Card is an anti-racism education charity, which has been working with young people and adults across Wales since 2006.

On 29th November the newest member of the team, Eryl Jones, visited Darland High School to carry out workshops with our Year 7 students.

Throughout the day students engaged in conversation about racism and focused on the topic of immigration. They learned to understand the injustice and the senselessness of racism and gained a full understanding of its damaging effect. They were also able to evaluate language and the power words can have.

The workshops involved activities to challenge stereotypes and encourage discussion around some famous figures and their journey to the UK, such as Rita Ora and Mo Farah.

An enjoyable day was had by all of our students.With thanks to The Red card for their help and support throughout the day. (www.theredcard.org)

On 8th November 2018, 12 students identified by Darland teaching staff for having a particular interest/academic strength in the area of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) attended their Scholars Programme launch event.

Despite an arduous journey which took almost five hours on a minibus, we arrived to the incredible University College campus with spirits remaining high.

The day began with a tour of the campus. It’s fair to say that the group were astounded by the sheer beauty of the buildings and grounds – it’s quite obvious that the staff and students within the university are proud to be there and strive to maintain nothing but perfection. We met our student host for the day, Rosie, who was in her second year studying engineering. Rosie guided us around the campus, taking in the grounds, student accommodation, statues (yes, statues!), the old library and the great hall. It was like being in the film set of Harry Potter.

The group then came together to be welcomed by the programme leader, Dr Claire Harrill, who is herself a professor at the university. Dr Harrill explained the format of the course and told how The Scholars Programme is designed to widen participation to the UK’s most selective universities; to date the university-style programme has had positive impact on those who complete it. According to an independent impact evaluation carried out by UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service), the impact was significant.

The day was busy but purposeful; after the programme introduction, students received information, advice and guidance for future courses and careers prospects, study skills (note taking and revision) and an introduction to their assignment ‘Cosmic Giants’ – a study into the formation and death of galaxies in our universe.

Upon successful completion of their university-style research project, students will be invited to attend a graduation ceremony in February 2019 at the University of Liverpool; watch this space!

The 2018 GCSE Certificates have now arrived at school and are now available for collection from the school office.

Christmas cards available to purchase at £3.00 per pack of 25, designed by Darland pupils.  Should you wish to purchase any Christmas cards, please click here and complete the slip at the bottom of the poster and send it in with your child to the school office.

Attitude to Learning (ATL1) Award Winners – October 2018!

The final week before the half-term break saw our annual School Council elections. The voting process, subsequent counting and awarding of the prestigious School Council shield badges was organised by the Year 11 Prefect team headed up by the Head Girl, Sophie Layhe and Head Boy, Connor O’Toole.

Students from all year groups were given the opportunity to vote for the individuals in their year group whom they felt would best represent them on the School Council. After some hectic lunchtime voting and intense counting sessions, we can announce that the new Darland School Council for 2018-2019 will consist of:

Year 7 – Tomos Ankers and Esme Hewiit

Year 8 – Anabelle Hennesey and Jack Massey

Year 9 – Lewis Thomson-Dutton and Sophie Bagby

Year 10 – Anabelle Bailey and Charlie McCann

Year 11 – Tom Parry and Caitlin Williams

Congratulations to all elected students and a huge thanks to those students who voted, and of course to the Year 11 Prefects for their organisation and administration of the process.