5 November 2021
Dear Parents & Carers,
We have had an excellent start to the new half-term. Attendance is high and we have hosted two successful parent information evenings. The first of those was intended to give the families of Year 10 students an overview of GCSE study and how best to support their child across two years of study. There was also specific input from our Subject Leaders for English, Maths and Science and an important focus on learning from mistakes, taking advantage of extracurricular opportunities and, most importantly, taking time away from study to do other things. We also shared information regarding the recent settling in reports for the year group and how our initial focus is on engagement, attitude to learning and organisation. On Wednesday we welcomed many Year 7 parents and carers to the school for the first time and shared information regarding the school’s ethos, curriculum and pastoral support. It was very positive to also share that 62 different extracurricular opportunities and activities were provided in the first half-term and we will continue to encourage students to stay after school and to get involved and to meet other students.
We have now invited the families of all seven year groups into school and it has been excellent to meet with all of those who have visited. Our parent consultation evening cycle starts next week and will continue to prioritise regular and effective communication as the school year continues.
Have a good weekend.
Mr O’Sullivan
Covid, Testing & Vaccination Update
We have shared an important and detailed update in a separate news article this afternoon, which we encourage all parents and carers to read carefully. Please click the image below to read.
Sixth Form Notices
Please click the link below to read the weekly digest of news and information for Sixth Form Students.
Sixth Form Committee Statement on COP26
With COP26 discussions in full swing, now is the perfect time to reflect on our own environmental impact, both as individuals and as a county. Since 2008/09, Durham County Council’s carbon emissions have reduced by 58%, with a target of 80% reduction by 2029/30. However, Council emissions only make up 3% of our county’s total; whilst overall emissions have still reduced by 54% the need for individual contribution is evident.
In an area so full of lush countryside and wildlife, it is easy to feel disconnected from the climate emergency happening right now across the globe. It is countries with some of the lowest carbon emissions which are suffering most: Madagascar is on the verge of the world’s ‘first climate change- induced famine’, with over 500,000 children facing acute malnutrition. Similarly, the very existence of countries such as the Republic of the Marshall Islands is threatened, as detailed by climate envoy Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner at COP26. It is paramount that we each educate ourselves on the impact that climate change is having worldwide so that we feel empowered and motivated to make the necessary changes to our daily lives.
Of course, how these changes manifest will vary for every person. For some, climate-friendly changes may not be economically viable and that is completely understandable- ethical lifestyles often come with a higher price tag. However, for those who are able I implore you to investigate methods of ‘greener’ living. Taking part in Durham’s CarShare service (for which there will be a link below), avoiding ‘fast-fashion’ brands where possible, using public transport and including more vegetarian/vegan options in our diets all reduce emissions. Nobody is perfect, but every change made is a change for good.
Although contributions by individuals and local businesses are important, it is true that to significantly reduce global warming within the next eight decades the focus must be on nationally and internationally co-ordinated efforts. In the UK, for example, 14% of emissions are due to heating our homes: to ‘decarbonise’ this we require the government to step up and spearhead a nationwide shift. Whilst the agreements made so far at COP26 are encouraging, we rely on politicians fulfilling their promises despite very few legal implications should they fail. This can instil feelings of powerlessness, but we are still able to partly take this situation into our own hands. By getting in contact with local MPs we can emphasise the increasing public interest in climate change prevention methods and highlight our wish for policy changes at local and national level. Alternatively, to get more directly involved we can sign petitions, raise awareness through social media and attend non-disruptive demonstrations.
Current discussions and pledges all seem to point us in the right direction; it is up to us to ensure that we maintain this momentum. We must ensure as far as possible that the promises that have been and will be made are fulfilled, and that those making them are held inexorably to account. This is a key action, along with continuing education and awareness. There is still plenty of room for hope- every little thing we do truly does make a difference and gradually creates a culture of ecological living. If we as a county strive to achieve this then Durham can be an example of eco-friendly living, and catalyse change in the rest of the country and beyond.
Rebecca Saunders
Head Student
Sources and articles:
Durham County Council: Climate Change
Sky News: Famine Crisis in Madagascar
BBC: Famine Crisis in Madagascar
BBC: COP26 Climate envoy for the Republic of the Marshall Islands
Institute for Government: Decarbonising heating at home
School Christmas Concerts
Soloists
If your child would like to perform a solo in one of the Christmas Concerts (preferably a piece with festive theme), please would you ask them to come and see me in the near future.
Thursday 9th December – Concert featuring Junior Choir, Junior Orchestra, Wind Band and selected soloists.
This Concert will be performed twice, at 6.30pm and again at 7.30pm. Performing pupils will need to be present for both performances and we ask that parents, carers, family and friends only purchase tickets for one of the two performances.
Friday 10th December – Concert featuring Big Band, Senior Orchestra, Senior Choir, Chamber Choir and selected soloists.
This Concert will be performed twice, at 6.30pm and again at 7.30pm. Performing pupils will need to be present for both performances and we ask that parents, carers, family and friends only purchase tickets for one of the two performances.
Tickets, priced at £4 and £2 concessions, will go on sale on Monday 15th November in the Music Department. Please note that these will be limited to 170 per performance and will not be for sale on the door but in advance only. Payment by cash or cheque, payable to ‘Durham Johnston School’.
Mr Holmes
Subject Leader, Music
Careers and Guidance Department Notices
My Peaceful Place: InvestIN's Young Photographer Competition
In honour of Stress Awareness Week 2021 (1st - 5th November), INVESTIN are running a photography competition entitled ‘My Peaceful Place’. Studies show that 60% of young people feel unable to cope with stress induced by the pressure to succeed. Research also shows that the visualisation of a tranquil place can help reduce stress, anxiety and fear.
In honour of this and stress awareness week, they invite students aged 12-18 to enter the competition, The Young Photographer Challenge. Students should submit a photograph of their 'peaceful place' along with a title and short explanation. Creativity is highly encouraged! The competition is free to enter and for each entry they will make a donation to Stem4, a youth mental health charity. The deadline for entries is Tuesday 23rd November.
They would like you to send us an image that represents your ‘peaceful place’, somewhere you are able to find respite and tranquillity when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Images must be no larger than 1GB and should be submitted with a title and a short caption explaining the image’s significance (no more than 50 words).
Submit your entry via this link.
For every entry INVESTIN will make a donation to Stem4, a fantastic charity that works to promote positive mental health in teenagers and those who support them.
Please click here to view this week’s Careers and Guidance Opportunities Bulletin Board.
Mr Kennedy
Subject Leader, Guidance
PE News
Our rugby teams secured another trophy on Tuesday. Our U15 team were at Billingham RFC competing against Carmel in the County Final.
This was an outstanding game of rugby as we matched a very big and very physical team throughout. There were never more than a few points between the teams, and in an exciting finish we scored with only one minute to play to win and become County Champions. All the boys were a credit to the school during the whole evening.
Tuesday was a successful night as our Year 11 football team travelled to Whitburn in the National Cup. This was another close game but we managed to score twice to reach the third round with a 2 – 0 victory.
The busy night continued as our Year 8 basketball team were at Dame Allan’s for a friendly match. We started well and took control of the game going on to win 75 – 26.
Finally on Tuesday our four netball teams were at home in league action against St Leonard’s. As always these games were keenly contested and ended with two wins each:
- Year 7: 17 - 7
- Year 8: 1 - 14
- Year 9: 30 - 0
- Year 10: 13 - 17
On Wednesday our attention turned to County cup football as both our U14 girls and Year 7 boys were in action. It was good news for our girls as they played some outstanding football to dominate a very strong team from Valley Gardens School. We reached the next round with a great 8 – 2 victory which included 7 goals for Lucy Wells.
The Year 7 game was an amazing match which at one point we led 5 – 2. However Dyke House fought back to level at 5 – 5. Unfortunately, as we entered the last minute they scored to win an 11 goal thriller. Well done to Zack Smith, who scored 4 goals
On Thursday our Year 9 boys were at home competing against Houghton Kepier in the National Cup. This was a close game throughout. We trailed 1 – 0 but an excellent strike from Finn Gergusian levelled for us. We again went behind before we scored another excellent goal thanks to Felix Scott. The game then went to penalties. Unfortunately we failed to score three of our kicks losing 3 – 1.
Good luck tonight to our U13 girls team who are at Hetton School in the county cup.
You can read more detailed match reports from our Sixth Form football ambassador here.
Mr Hopper
Subject Leader, PE
