Another busy time in the life of the school with a range of activities, visits and speakers all seeking to broaden and enrich the lives of our students and all this on top of our usual drive to raise achievement for all.  Speaking of drive, I’m delighted to say that our new Headteacher Mrs Maw is joining us for one day per week until Christmas when she will be with us full-time.

Dr P. Ingram
Acting Headteacher

Before half term we have invited our students to come into school wearing an item of yellow clothing in support of World Mental Health Day. We hope that by recognising this world-wide event that we raise awareness around mental health issues, mindfulness and the idea that it is okay to seek help for any problems you may be having. Pupils who took part also made a small donation which will be shared with a mental health charity. Thank you to everyone who took part.

Congratulations to Sandhill student Finlay Anderson, who is thrilled after landing a national accolade. Finlay was announced the winner of the national Stabilo Young Journalist of the Year competition. He was chosen by the panel of judges for the article he wrote commentating on the first World Cup match between England and Tunisia. Finlay beat hundreds of other young hopefuls, but stood out with his piece which was extremely well written, engaging and emotional. As the lucky winner of the writing competition, Finlay will have his column published on the First News website, an announcement in the paper and win £1,000 worth of Stabilo products for his classmates. Even at his young age, Finaly is already making waves in sports journalism, having been invited to meet BBC Radio Newcastle commentators Gary Bennett and Nick Barnes at the radio station’s studio. Well done Finlay, you have done yourself and the entire school very proud!

This week our students will watch a live production by the National Theatre of ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’ which follows the life of a young mathematician with behavioural difficulties as he attempts to solve a mystery.

Congratulations to the top ten students from Triton, Griffin and Phoenix Houses for their excellent work in receiving the highest number of Praise Points for the first half term period of the Academic year. Students all received a certificate for their school record as well as a photograph and letter home. Well done!

Just before half term saw the launch of the trust-wide Honours Programme with 30 students from Southmoor and Sandhill View selected. Students were given their reflective journals to record work on their personal projects over the coming weeks.

Amnesty International along with guest speaker Perse (a refugee originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo) ran a series of workshops for Year 12 students to give an overview of the refugee crisis.

Guest lecturer Dr Adrian Green from Durham University ran a seminar for Year 12 and 13 Historians entitled 'The First Industrial Region’ which helped students realise the pivotal role of their home town. 

Enrichment is off to a great start this year with activities being as popular as ever. We have a range of sessions for students to chose from whether they want to improve their cookery skills or learn some new moves on the trampolines. We also have some great arts and craft workshops as well as hair and beauty in the schools fully equipped salon. Pupils can also choose from multi-sports, where they can opt into different sporting activities, or swimming which is new this year. These run every Wednesday between 2.10 - 4pm. You can find a full list of what's on and where by visiting our website here.

We are delighted to announce our participation in the National School Breakfast Programme. From this week we will be serving breakfast (porridge, cereal and bagels) for free in our school restaurant for every pupil in school that wishes to come and eat as much breakfast as they like, for free, every day. Along with Southmoor Academy, we are the first secondary school in the area to have signed up. Breakfast will be served from 7:45 to 8:30am from the main restaurant with all year groups welcome to fill up for a positive start to their school day.

Our school has celebrated the Big Draw festival for the past 7 years as part of art club and Extended Tutor Time. After half term students will create artwork to decorate their classrooms to celebrate the power of drawing! Watch this space for more information.

Computer science students from Year 10 recently attended the ‘Bring it on!’ event where businesses from across the region inspired, educated and informed students about the many possibilities engineering can offer in the North East. The day was active and interesting giving year 10 students with some excellent ideas for future careers.

My favourite book when I was a child was The BFG by Roald Dahl.  It is gripping, knowing Sophie is never in any real danger, it gives Dahl a safety net to take the readers imagination to some dark places.  My daughter now also enjoys this book!

My favourite invention is the internet. As it allows you to access information from anywhere in the world at the click of a button. It also allows people to feel closer to friends and family that you don't see every day. The Internet makes everyday life so much easier!

What do you do at Sandhill View?
Subject Leader for ICT, Computing and Business Studies

Who was your favourite teacher at school and why?
My Form Tutor and Geography teacher, Mr Reynolds. He was hilarious with a host of stories (some of which were definitely made up) to keep us entertained at school.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy walking my dog and going to watch Sunderland AFC.

Who is your favourite musical artist or band?
My favourite artist of all time has to be Paul Weller. I also like Paolo Nutini and Fleetwood Mac.

What's the best thing about Sandhill View?
Friday morning cakes in the staff room, no sorry, the students of course!

What's the one thing you could never be without?
My Dog, Otis. He is a black Labrador with far too much energy.