25 August 2022
Thursday 25th August 2022
Congratulations to Year 11 on their excellent results after two very difficult years
We are very proud of the excellent GCSE results achieved by students at Durham Johnston in 2022. Like all students nationally, those studying at Durham Johnston have faced a challenging two years. They started their GCSE subjects in bubbles after missing a substantial part of their Year 8 study and faced a second significant lockdown after only one term of GCSE study. Whilst 2021-22 was a more stable academic year nationally, many of our students had to isolate for significant periods of time and faced a number of very complex challenges. They have proven themselves to be conscientious and resilient. Educational success is based upon gathering momentum and having an adequate amount of time for trial and error. Our Year 11 students were denied both, making their success today even more worthy of celebration. If you are an adult reading this, think back to your own experience of examinations and consider how straightforward it probably was by comparison. It is wonderful to be able to celebrate the wide-ranging success of the year group.
2022 marks yet another year of excellent academic and personal achievements for the school’s Year 11 students and underlines their hard work and determination. It also highlights the support of their families and the commitment and dedication of their teachers. Student of all abilities have achieved superb GCSE results across a wide range of subjects at Durham Johnston, reflecting the school’s high-quality curriculum and hardworking students. We are very proud of the fantastic results that students have achieved, particularly given the national context outlined above. They have coped stoically with their exams and also significant disruption. They have done wonderfully well and have earned the right to celebrate.
We are proud of all of our students; from those achieving a number of 7 to 9 grades, to those who worked incredibly hard to achieve grades 2, 3 or 4. We are also thrilled that a high percentage of Year 11 will be continuing their studies with us at A Level and wish those leaving the school for further education or employment every success for the future. Our students successfully navigated a difficult 2 years with 79% of students attaining Level 4 in English and in mathematics (a standard pass), and 64% of all students passed English and mathematics at Grade 5 (a good pass). 14% of all grades were awarded a 9, with 43% of all grades being Level 7-9. A further 85% awarded grades were at 4-9 and 74% awarded at grades 5-9. The students have worked hard and have achieved a high level of deserved success. We are thrilled that they can take their next steps with confidence.
Our core values relate to academic excellence for all, the need for students to acquire knowledge, the need to contribute to society and preparation for future employment, wherever in the world that might be. We also strongly believe that all students should have those opportunities, regardless of background. Our students have risen to the extremely challenging circumstances set before them, and we wish them all the best as they begin the next stage of their education, training or employment. Their results are outstanding, and we are immensely proud of their achievements. Whilst they are leaving us for their next steps, we will continue to offer support as Durham Johnston will always be their school. Congratulations Year 11 – it has been a pleasure to have you represent the school.
Andrew O’Sullivan
Headteacher