This week began with the exciting announcement of our new Head of House for 2026/27, Darcy Holmes. Darcy has been a true “Girl in Green” since joining Durham School in Year 7, and throughout her time here she has consistently embodied the values, spirit, and commitment that define MacLeod House.
Darcy has always shown tremendous dedication to House life, contributing enthusiastically and supporting her peers with warmth and determination. We are delighted to see her take on this important leadership role and look forward to seeing the ideas and energy she will bring as she helps guide the House over the coming months.
She will undoubtedly be an excellent role model for the girls, and I am very much looking forward to working with her in the year ahead.
On Tuesday, we held our Year 10 Pizza Social. Unfortunately, the torrential downpour washed out plans to use the pizza oven, so we had to improvise with the air fryer instead! Despite the weather, it was a fantastic afternoon filled with pizza making, impromptu quizzing, and even some karaoke. A big thank you to all the Year 10 students who joined in and helped make the event such a success.
On Wednesday, our Year 9 girls travelled to Staithes for a Geography fieldwork trip. During the day, the students investigated coastal landforms, developed their map-reading skills, and explored a range of field data collection techniques both on the beach and within the town itself.
Despite the very windy conditions, the weather stayed dry and the girls thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It was a fantastic opportunity for hands-on learning outside the classroom, and there were certainly some very tired faces signing out on Wednesday evening after a busy and rewarding day!
We have ended the week on a cosy and cheerful note with a delicious cheese on toast treat kindly prepared by our wonderful Matron, Wendy. It was greatly appreciated by the girls and provided the perfect way to round off another busy half-term in MacLeod.
Sports The Girls’ 1st XI hosted Barnard Castle School on the playground and produced an impressive performance, bowling the visitors out for just 75. A special mention goes to Year 7 student Lyla Garside, who made her debut for the 1st XI — a fantastic achievement at such a young age. Lyla marked the occasion with a wicket, while Imogen C starred with the ball, taking 4 wickets in just 3 overs.
Durham then chased down the target with five wickets down and four overs to spare, thanks to strong batting performances from Darcy Holmes and Jess Wood, who both found excellent form at the crease.
Speech Day Prize winners:
Congratulations to the following MacLeod girls on their tremendous achievements at this year’s Speech Day Ceremony, held in Durham Cathedral:
Darcy H – Lower Sixth Art Prize for the best Lower Sixth pupil in Art
Erin N – Year 10 Prize for Academic -Achievement
Grace R – Year 7 Prize for Academic Achievement
Samantha J – The Chadeyron Music Advanced Competition Winner
Lottie H – The Junior Drama Cup for excellence in Drama in Year 7 or 8
Samantha J – The Middle School Prize for Music for dedication to the Music Department through a number of ensembles and for being an all-round excellent musician
Faye T – The Junior Art Prize for the best GCSE performance in Art
Millie N – The Sidney Dunn Prize for high achievement in the use of Digital Media
Jess W – The Headmaster’s Prize as Head of School
We are incredibly proud of all the girls for their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments across such a wide range of disciplines. They are fantastic ambassadors for MacLeod House and for Durham School.
Lauds
Well done to the following girls who were all awarded Lauds this week:
Lilie A, Laibah, Chalir, Flick, Olivia, Gracie, Maleeha, Grace R, Lyla, Gabby, Milla, Erin N, Tilly, Edie, Isla Y.
As we head into the half-term break, I hope the girls are able to make the most of their time with a good balance of rest and relaxation, alongside some focused revision in preparation for exam week when we return. After such a busy and successful half term, the break will be well deserved.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Bank Holiday weekend and that we are lucky enough to enjoy some sunshine!
Mrs Gowland
