Extra Curricular
We have an extensive programme of lunchtime and extra-curricular activities to which all children are welcome, and all of which are free of charge. The exact programme changes depending on the term, and can be found below.
Our Sixth Formers play an active role in our extra-curricular offer, but also have their own programme beyond this, Enrichment+. You can find out more at this link.
Extra Curricular Programme Autumn Term 2023:
Monday
First Lunch (12:00-12:45 – Years 7, 8, 12 & 13)
Activity |
Where? |
Who? |
Additional information… |
Chess Club (Y7-8) |
La1 |
Years 7 & 8 |
All abilities welcome! |
Keyboard Club |
MU2 |
Years 7 & 8 |
Lunch passes are available from Music |
Y7/8 Cyber Explorers Club |
IT2 |
Years 7 & 8 |
Develop your understanding of the world of cyber security (through a series of online challenges)! |
Script Club |
Drama Studio |
Years 7 & 8 |
|
Second Lunch (1:00-1:45 – Years 9, 10 & 11)
Activity |
Where? |
Who? |
Additional information… |
Music Aural Skills |
MU3 |
Years 9-11 |
Help for Aural for those doing graded music exams. |
Scrabble Years 9-11 |
En1 |
Years 9-11 |
|
After School
Activity |
Where? |
Who? |
Additional information… |
Cross Country Club |
PE |
All years |
|
Badminton Club |
PE |
All years |
|
Tuesday
First Lunch (12:00-12:45 – Years 7, 8, 12 & 13)
Activity |
Where? |
Who? |
Additional information… |
Chamber Choir |
MU2 |
Years 12 & 13 |
SATB Sixth Form choir (auditioned) |
Jigsaw Club |
Sc12 |
Years 7 & 8 |
|
KS3 Computing Support / Study |
BS1 |
Years 7 & 8 |
|
Scrabble Year 7 & 8 |
EN 8 |
Years 7 & 8 |
|
Spelling Bee |
LA7 |
Year 7 |
|
Second Lunch (1:00-1:45 – Years 9, 10 & 11)
Activity |
Where? |
Who? |
Additional information… |
GCSE Music Support |
MU2 |
Years 10 & 11 |
Extra support for those taking GCSE Music |
Jigsaw Club |
Sc12 |
Years 9-11 |
|
Maths Support |
IT4 |
Years 9-11 |
Computers available to access Sparx homework |
After School
Activity |
Where? |
Who? |
Additional information… |
CREST Bronze Award Science |
Sc12 |
Years 9 & 10 |
Students aim to complete a 10-hour guided Science task and present their findings. |
Debating Club |
Hi4 |
Years 12 & 13 |
|
Girls’ Basketball Club |
PE |
Year 7-11 girls |
|
Girls Rugby |
PE |
All years |
|
Greek Club |
LA8 |
Years 9-13 |
|
Junior Orchestra |
MU1 |
Years 7 & 8 |
Anyone who plays an orchestral instrument is welcome |
Lego Club |
Maths 7 |
Years 7 & 8 |
Please do not bring your own Lego! |
English Language drop in |
EN5 |
Year 11 |
For specific classes. Students will be invited. |
Technical Theatre Club |
Drama Studio |
Years 7-9 |
|
Wind Band |
James Hall |
Years 9-13 |
Open to anyone in these year groups who plays a brass or woodwind instrument |
Maths Support |
IT4 |
Years 7-9 |
Computers available to access Sparx maths |
Maths Support |
MA2 |
Years 10 & 11 |
|
Maths Support |
MA8 |
Years 12 & 13 |
|
Japanese Club |
LA6 |
Years 10 & 12 |
|
First Lunch (12:00-12:45 – Years 7, 8, 12 & 13)
Activity |
Where? |
Who? |
Additional information… |
Languages with Sandwiches |
LA2 |
Years 7 & 8 |
|
Theory Club |
MU2 |
Years 7, 8, 12 & 13 |
Help with theory for those doing graded music exams |
Second Lunch (1:00-1:45 – Years 9, 10 & 11)
Activity |
Where? |
Who? |
Additional information… |
Chess Club (Y9-11) |
LA1 |
Years 9 - 11 |
All abilities welcome! |
KS4 Support (Computing) |
IT1 |
Years 10 & 11 |
|
After School
Activity |
Where? |
Who? |
Additional information… |
Boys’ Basketball Club |
PE |
Year 7-11 Boys |
|
Fitness Circuit |
Activity studio |
Years 7 & 8 |
Wear PE kit and bring a water bottle |
Garden Maintenance |
Sc8 |
Years 9 & 10; |
Max 6 students. Working outside building, painting and tidying Science garden area – please see Science staff for details |
Girls’ Football Club |
PE |
Year 7-11 Girls |
|
Junior Choir |
MU1 |
Years 7 & 8 |
Open to everyone! |
Science Superstars |
Sc12 |
Year 7 |
Students that complete 8 tasks receive a badge and certificate |
Senior Choir |
James Hall |
Years 9-13 |
Open to everyone! |
Y7/8 Programming Club |
IT2 |
Years 7 & 8 |
If interested please see Mr O'Connor. This club will run in the first half term (Sept-Oct) |
Year 9 Drama Club |
Drama Studio |
Year 9 |
This is an acting club |
Maths Support |
MA5 |
Years 10 & 11 |
|
Maths Support |
MA7 |
Years 10 & 11 |
|
Maths Support |
MA2 |
Years 12 & 13 |
|
Thursday
First Lunch (12:00-12:45 – Years 7, 8, 12 & 13)
Activity |
Where? |
Who? |
Additional information… |
Christian Union |
EN4 |
Years 7 & 8 |
|
Second Lunch (1:00-1:45 – Years 9, 10 & 11)
Activity |
Where? |
Who? |
Additional information… |
KS4 Computing & Business Study Support |
BS1&IT1 |
Years 10 & 11 |
|
Theory Club |
MU2 |
Years 9-11 |
Help with theory for those doing graded music exams. |
After School
Activity |
Where? |
Who? |
Additional information… |
DofE Bronze Training |
Year 9 |
Varies - Please see DofE Team |
Pupils will be assigned a training group (A or B) and should go to training every other week. Training takes part from 4-5pm to allow for other extra-curricular activities to continue. |
Ethics and Philosophy Club |
Years 10-13 |
RE3 |
This is open to all students interested in exploring ethical issues, not only those who take A Level EP. This is a student-led club. |
GCSE French speaking support |
Year 11 |
LA7 |
|
Geography Club |
Years 7-9 |
IT4 |
|
Netball Club |
All years |
PE |
|
Senior Orchestra |
Years 9-13 |
James Hall |
Anyone who plays an orchestral instrument is welcome. |
Year 8 Science Club |
Year 8 |
SC12 |
A chance to develop scientific practical skills. |
Year 7 and 8 Drama Club |
Years 7 & 8 |
Drama Studio |
Only 30 places available; please see Ms Ayrey for more information |
Warhammer Club |
Years 7-13 |
HI4 |
|
Maths Support |
Years 10 &11 |
MA9 |
|
Key Stage 3 Japanese Club |
Years 7 - 9 |
LA6 |
|
Friday
First Lunch (12:00-12:45 – Years 7, 8, 12 & 13)
Activity |
Where? |
Who? |
Additional information… |
Aural Skills |
MU3 |
Years 7, 8, 12 & 13 |
Help with Aural for those doing graded music exams |
Maths support |
|
|
|
Year 7 & 8 Support (Homework/PC access) is available during first break (9.45-10) in IT1
Second Lunch (1:00-1:45 – Years 9, 10 & 11)
Activity |
Where? |
Who? |
Additional information… |
Christian Union |
LA1 |
Years 9-11 |
All welcome! |
Physics questions club |
SC11 |
Year 11 |
See Mr Oliver for more information |
Translation Bee |
LA6 |
Year 9 |
|
After School
Activity |
Where? |
Who? |
Additional information… |
Big Band |
MU2 |
Years 9-13 |
For players of rhythm (guitar/bass/drums) and frontline instruments (trumpet, sax, trombone), approx.. Grade 4 and above standard |
Boys’ 7,8 & 9 Football club |
PE |
Year 7-9 Boys |
|
CREST Silver Award Science |
Sc4 |
Years 9 & 10 |
For students who have already completed their CREST Bronze Award |
Year 8 Gardening/Eco Club |
Sc12 |
Year 8 |
Working outside (whenever possible) so students will need old trainers/wellies and clothes that could get mucky! |
Year 7 Boys’ Rugby Club |
PE |
Year 7 Boys |
|
Durham Johnston School Music Department
Extra-Curricular Offer
The Music Department at Durham Johnston School has a long tradition of offering high-quality musical activities, open to all pupils. Our activities provide pupils with a chance to be creative, express themselves, and build team-work skills, in an environment that encourages commitment and reliability, and offers a space to enjoy making music as a community.
A programme of weekly after-school rehearsals runs from September to Easter, and each term culminates with evening concerts celebrating the hard work and high standards achieved. We encourage pupils to join an ensemble for a whole term, so that they experience the process of rehearsals leading to performance. In reality, many pupils join for a term and remain committed for 7 years!
In addition to the performing ensembles, we also offer a range of lunchtime activities, from Keyboard Club to Aural Skills sessions, all supporting pupils’ musical development. These run all year round.
We aim to make all our activities as inclusive as possible, but also recognise the need to challenge our most able musicians by offering sessions that give them chance to further their musical skills. The following table shows what we currently offer, and for whom it is suitable,
Rehearsal Schedule:
Day |
Lunchtime |
2.45-3.45pm |
|
Mon |
1st |
Keyboard Club – MU2 |
(staff meeting) |
2nd |
Aural Skills – MU3 |
||
Tue |
1st |
Chamber Choir – MU2 |
Junior Orchestra - MU1 Wind Band - Hall |
2nd |
GCSE Support – MU3 |
||
Wed |
1st |
Theory Club – MU2 |
Junior Choir - MU1 Senior Choir - Hall |
2nd |
(no activities) |
||
Thur |
1st |
(no activities) |
Senior Orchestra - Hall |
2nd |
Theory Club – MU2 |
||
Fri |
1st |
Aural Skills – MU3 |
Big Band – MU2 |
2nd |
(no activities) |
What our students say…
“Senior Orchestra is a great place to practice fun pieces with friends and make new friends who share your interests. All the music teachers are lovely and friendly!” (Year 11)
“I do music because I enjoy doing something that makes people smile and might lighten a day that has been dark for someone.” (Year 9)
“I’ve just finished my time as a chorister in Durham Cathedral and have been doing music non-stop for 4 years. When I came to Durham Johnston School, I had a really good time and I believe that the music here is great and I would love to develop my music further from here.” (Year 9)
“I love going to orchestra and choir because we have a great time learning new pieces of music and it’s really fun to watch us improve.”
“I go to choir and orchestra because I enjoy playing an instrument and singing. These clubs are good because I can learn new songs and push myself to do well.”
“Extra-curricular music has provided me with valuable performing opportunities as part of a group and a chance to bond with other people in all year groups through a common interest in music.” (Year 13)
“I enjoy extra-curricular music activities because I get a chance to play the piano with ensembles, which is rare since it is a solo instrument. Every week we come together to celebrate music and play; it’s like a big family and a great break from academic studies as we can be creative.” (Year 13)
“Since joining Durham Johnston (in the Sixth Form), I have enjoyed making music in a group setting, with others who are as enthusiastic about it as I am. I feel grateful for this unique opportunity due to the high quality of education and passion for music at the school.” (Year 13)
“It provides an opportunity to engage with music on a deeper level. It is a great way to involve more people in music and you don’t have to be studying music to participate.”
Music Tuition
Through partnership with Durham Music Service, we offer tuition in singing and a wide range of instruments. Lessons, which may be in small groups, or individual if possible, are weekly and lesson times rotate to ensure that pupils do not miss part of the same curriculum lesson on consecutive weeks. Where possible, we try to provide fixed slots for pupils in Year 11 to 13 outside the teaching day, or in study periods. There is a charge for this provision, although costs are subsidised by the Arts Council and extra financial support is available for Pupil Premium students and those in Local Authority Care. Pupils who receive lessons from the Music Service in Year 6 are automatically transferred to our registers and throughout the year there are often opportunities to start/ restart tuition. Please contact Mr Holmes (Subject Leader for Music) if you have any questions.
Durham Johnston School PE Department
Extra-Curricular Offer
The PE department at Durham Johnston is committed to providing a wide variety of sporting opportunities to students, open to all regardless of background and ability. As well as providing training and social sport opportunities, we coach our students to the highest levels, competing at locally, regionally and nationally. In the school year 2022-23, we reached national finals in three different sports.
We are regularly listed among the best co-educational state schools in the country for sport.
The clubs allow children to develop a range of physical skills but also encourage teamwork, co-operation and friendship. Leadership is also encouraged with older students able to support the clubs working with younger children.
The PE department also run successful school visits abroad, including skiing, and summer sports trips to Malaga.
We publish a weekly bulletin of fixtures and opportunities below:
Sports Bulletin
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award at Durham Johnston Comprehensive School
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is many things to many people, supporting generations to successfully navigate adult life.
Students at DJCS can do a DofE programme at one of three progressive levels which, when successfully completed, leads to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Students in Year 9 take part in the Bronze award. Students in Year 10 take part in the Silver award.
Students in Sixth form will have the opportunity to take part in the Gold award from September 2024.
There are four sections to complete at Bronze and Silver level and five at Gold. They involve helping the community/environment, becoming fitter, developing new skills, planning, training for and completing an expedition and, for Gold only, working with a team on a residential activity.
Communication about DofE happens primarily through Microsoft Teams – students are expected to check their Teams account regularly to keep up to date with information.
Additional information about DofE is available on the DofE website.
Bronze
The students follow a training programme after school during Year 9, where they learn the skills they need to take part in their team expedition.
The training covers first aid, camp craft, navigation, teamwork and cooking.
The students work throughout the year on their Skill, Physical and Volunteering sections.
The Bronze expedition takes place in June.
The Bronze award coordinator is Miss I Oldroyd.
Silver
The students follow a condensed training programme after school during part of Year 10, where they build on the skills they learnt in year 9 during Bronze training.
The training continues, covering camp craft, navigation, teamwork and cooking, reflecting the increased challenge of the Silver level.
The students work throughout the year on their Skill, Physical and Volunteering sections.
The Silver Practice expedition takes place in June.
The Silver Final expedition takes place in July.
The Silver award coordinator is Mrs I Gibb.
Gold
The programme for the Gold award is currently being reviewed.
Students in the Sixth Form will be able to take part in the Gold level of the award programme from September 2024.
Duke of Edinburgh's Award Updates
