21st Century History Lesson

Durham High School for Girls first opened its doors 135 years ago, but arguably the last couple of decades has seen some of the biggest changes as the school moves into the 21st Century in the way it goes about providing girls with their education.

Leading from the front is Simone Niblock who is approaching her first anniversary as Headmistress. Simone, who hails from Heywood in Lancashire, studied at both Oxford and Cambridge Universities. She has worked in Hertfordshire, Cheshire, Shropshire, Yorkshire and now Durham where she arrived in September 2018 in what is her first position as Head.

The first sign that things are changing is plainly obvious when you arrive at Durham High School. There’s a lot of construction work going on. Builders are putting together a new reception area. The kitchen has also been refurbished. It’s all part and parcel of Simone’s drive to ensure that Durham High School is a forward-thinking, outward-looking school which not only provides girls with an outstanding education, but also provides them with excellent facilities in which to thrive. Good food is the icing on the cake…so to speak!

As well as being a strong Head who is bubbling with enthusiasm, Simone is someone who listens to what the parents are saying and takes on board their views, concerns and suggestions.

“Wherever possible, I want to respond to the recommendations of our parents,” said Simone. “For example, many of them felt as though the menu of food we offer our pupils didn’t really reflect the 21st Century fusion of culture and trends. We had a change of caterers in May 2019 and have now appointed the Thomas Franks company who specialise in nutrition for youngsters who want to be fit and healthy. I hope any boys reading this won’t be offended but I do feel that girls are more interested in what they eat and how it affects them both bodily and mentally.

It also fits in with our school policy of sustainability and being aware of where our food comes from. Our new caterers are keen to promote healthy living and how to enjoy good food and how it can help with our holistic education. We are responding to food trends, not food fads. Wherever possible we will be sourcing our food locally. We even have a school eco team and we will be working this term on how to improve our recycling and avoiding food waste.”

It’s lovely to see everyone eating together at Durham High School. Everyone, from 3 years old to 18 years old all sit together and mingle. It’s a wonderful family atmosphere and, although this is a school, it feels like a big, caring, family community. When it comes to sport, Durham High School excels. It’s fair to say that it punches above its weight in sports such as netball, hockey and rounders. The girls regularly collect awards at local and national tournaments.

There is a thriving performing arts culture at the school and it’s interesting that Simone is keen to promote education at Durham High School from a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths) philosophy. She is a fervent advocate of the importance of the Arts in any curriculum, especially one as rounded and holistic as the education the girls receive at Durham High School.

“We’re also developing computing and coding within the curriculum,” added Simone. “It’s all part of ensuring that our girls have a fully rounded education which allows them to make decisions as to what sort of direction they would like to go in terms of a career choice. We’re developing links with local companies and Durham University. We are inviting representatives from firms to come along and speak to the girls and, importantly, answer any questions. The more opportunities the girls have to discover which careers are out there…as well as the option to go to university…the more likely they are to make the right choice.

I also see the development of degree apprenticeships which will allow students to get a trade and a degree without incurring the current level of debt that the vast majority of undergraduates now accrue across their years of study. It would also be wonderful to see a period of stability in education with fewer changes to GCSE and A level, and allow teachers to become expert in the delivery of their subjects without having to continually adopt new procedures.”

Durham High School for Girls is plainly in good hands with Simone as its Head. And, as an example of how the school is now very much focussed on the 21st Century, you can find them on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Flickr.

Durham High School for Girls….bright past…dazzling future.