24 March 2023
Dear Parents & Carers,
Next week presents a particularly important week for many of our students. Year 11 will start to get feedback on their mock exams and are entering an important period of reflection, organisation and revision. This is the time of year when things start to come together for those working hard, and those who need to work differently start to develop a clear understanding of what that means. We will be sharing revision guidance, subject specific revision, and opportunities for mentoring with students next week. The same applies to Year 13, and those Year 12 students completing an external AS Level examination.
Year 10 will focus in-depth upon careers guidance next term and I would encourage discussions at home around work experience; 73% of our students already have plans in place already, but please contact us if you need additional support for your child. In terms of personal development, Years 7 to 9 will be considering how to stay safe and avoid risk and our assemblies will touch on those issues. Year 9 have chosen their options and will start to study GCSE content in greater depth in RE and Science.
We will share key dates for the summer term next week along with information from our assemblies on how to be a positive member of our school community and the importance of social bonds and contracts. Please keep a note in your diary for next week’s Spring Concerts too.
Have a good weekend.
Mr O’Sullivan
What is my child learning?
In the Learning section of our website, you can find guidance on what every student at the school is studying. As well as an overview of our curriculum and principles behind it, you can find an overview of each subject area. You can also find a guide to the content being covered in every subject and how you can support your child for each half term here: Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 | Year 10 | Year 11 | Year 12 | Year 13
Lost Property
A reminder that we have an unusually large volume of lost property in school at the moment. Please click here to read information about procedures for reclaiming (and also preventing!) lost property in school.
Maths Competition Success!
On Friday 17th March four of our Year 10 maths students travelled to The Sjøvoll Centre at Framwellgate School to compete in the AMSP Maths Feast with 15 other teams from schools in the local area. We are delighted to report that our team achieved first place in the contest. Well done to Tina, Elijah, Rosie and Peter!
Maths Challenge Update
After excellent success in the UKMT Intermediate Maths challenge, eight of our students qualified for the next round, the Kangaroo Challenge, which took place on Friday 17th March. We are delighted that two of our students achieved Merit Certificates in this challenge. Well done to Will and Leon on this excellent achievement!
The UKMT Junior Maths Challenge will take place in April.
Mr Patterson
Mathematics Department
Sixth Form Notices
Please click the link below to read the weekly digest of news and information for Sixth Form Students.
Careers and Guidance Department Notices
Please click here to view this week’s Careers Notices.
Mr Kennedy
Subject Leader, Guidance
Music Notices
We are very much looking forward to our Stage & Screen Concerts next week, which are the culmination of weeks of hard work by our ensembles. A reminder of the practicalities are below. We still have a few tickets available for each concert, and look forward to seeing supporters there.
Final Rehearsals
Monday 27th - 2.45 to 4.00pm - Wind Band, Junior Orchestra, Big Band, Junior Choir & Soloists
Tuesday 28th - 2.45 to 4.00pm - Senior Choir, Chamber Choir, Senior Orchestra & Soloists
Concerts
Wednesday 29th - 7.00pm - Wind Band, Junior Orchestra, Big Band, Junior Choir & Soloists
Friday 31st - 7.00pm - Senior Choir, Chamber Choir, Senior Orchestra & Soloists
Tickets for both concerts are available to buy from the Music Department priced £4.00 (£2.00 concessions). Payment by cash or cheque payable to 'Durham Johnston School'.
Mr E Holmes
Subject Leader for Music
PE News
Last Saturday, 4 of our cross-country runners travelled to Nottingham to represent County Durham at the ESAA National finals. Against the best runners in the country, they all performed very well. Charlotte Dillon finished in an outstanding 20th, Ben Beale in 59th, Grace Carter was 140th and Will Jardine 241st.
On Monday our VIth form football team hosted Framwellgate in a league and cup double. We set the tempo from the start and went on to secure an excellent 3 - 2 victory with goals from Dan Blanchard, Luke Bradley and Louis Brown. Will Cornish was POM.
Also on Monday, our Year 8 football team faced English Martyrs in the County Cup. We created lots of chances, hitting the woodwork on several occasions. Unfortunately, we couldn't find a goal as the game ended 0 - 3. Aidan Lawlor was POM.
On Tuesday our U15 girls cricket team were at the Beacon of Light taking part in the county finals. This was an excellent day of cricket where we remained unbeaten achieving the following results to reach the final against Consett Academy:
67 - 54 against Consett Academy
63 - 54 against St Leonard's
92 - 49 against Hetton.
Another great victory in the final saw us become County Champions and now go forward to the Northern regional finals after Easter.
Also on Tuesday, our Year 8 rugby team travelled to Barnard Castle for the County Rugby Sevens finals. We battled hard against strong opposition and reached the semi-finals. Unfortunately, we faced Yarm who proved too strong for us as they went on to win the competition. We did however finish with a victory, as we won the 3rd/4th place play-off.
Wednesday was a very busy day, as we had seven fixtures and three clubs. The day started with an early kick off for our U18 girls’ team against Carmel. It was the end of an era for some of our U18 girls as they played their last ever match for Durham Johnston. We struggled in the windy conditions, eventually losing the game. Joint player of the match went to Holly Cook, Holly Jenkins, Jenny Horridge, Nadia Sunuo and Holly Middleton.
Immediately after that, our U18 boys travelled to St John's in the Knockout Cup semi-final. They produced an outstanding display to win 3 - 0 and reach the county final which takes place at Maiden Castle next Thursday (30th) 4.15pm kick off. Goals came from Harry Alderson, Louis Burke and Charlie Hewitson. Harry Alderson and George Wells were awarded joint POM.
After school, our Year 7 boys and Year 8 girls' basketball teams took part in a friendly tournament at St Cuthbert's School. All the games were played in an excellent spirit and although we didn't win, this was excellent preparation for the Junior NBA play-offs after Easter.
Three girls’ rugby matches also took place against St John's. All three teams played some great rugby, and it was brilliant to see their hard work in training paying off. The U12 and U14 teams both won but the U16's ran out of steam losing a close game. This was great preparation for the county finals, which take place next week.
Rugby continued yesterday afternoon as our Year 7 boys made the short journey to Durham School to compete in the County Rugby Sevens tournament. They played some excellent rugby, beating English Martyrs and Conyers. Our only defeat came against the hosts, meaning we missed out on a place in the final.
Also yesterday, our Year 7 & 10 football teams hosted Teesdale School in league matches. The Year 7 game was close throughout. We couldn't find a way through a strong defence eventually losing 1- 0. It was better news in the Year 10 game as we controlled the game winning 5 - 0 to remain unbeaten in the league.
Mr Hopper
Subject Leader for PE