5 May 2023
Dear Parents & Carers,
A very brief update this week as we make our plans for the final week before examinations begin. There will be an important update next week about new timings for the school day, so that we can accommodate all exams whilst also ensuring that Year 11 and 12 stay in school for an extended period through the exam period. In simple terms, we will be changing the times of break and lunch for students to fit in within the examination timetable and to ensure a calm and purposeful atmosphere for those sitting their exams. We will share a more detailed overview with timings next week.
Today saw the visit of Amanda Pritchard, CEO of the NHS, and former student at DJCS, who was very generous with her time. It was wonderful for students to see her pathway from our school to a successful career. She offered advice on the wide range of careers available within the NHS and how important it is that students are ambitious. She also explained that she didn’t know what she wanted to do at 16 or 18, but that she had worked hard in each of her jobs and roles and had maximised her potential. She also spoke passionately about serving the public and being a good role model. Students asked very incisive questions, and each session overran because of her willingness to answer in depth. Public service is a key part of our ethos and Amanda exemplified that for our students too.
She also referenced that large numbers of people in the UK have personal story that is interlinked with the 75-year history of the NHS making it hugely important to the fabric of everyday life. That certainly resonated with me.
My first job at 16 was working as an auxiliary nurse in elderly care, each weekend and during summer holidays. I gained invaluable experience and taught me a significant amount about the compassion, kindness and dedication needed to support others. Working with elderly patients helped me to grow up and understand the difficulties experienced by other people. Many parents and carers reading this also work within social care and the NHS and it is good that our students have had the opportunity to think about the wide range of careers available to them and how consistent effort, making the most of your ability and working well with others can lead to. As Headteacher, it is always exciting to meet with former students who are happy and successful in later life, regardless of what that success might look like. It is even better when they are able to motivate students and to offer advice for the comprehensive range of students that we have at Durham Johnston.
A more detailed overview of Amanda Pritchard’s visit will be included with next week’s update.
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
Latin News:
Over the next two weeks, all Y7 forms will be having two lessons of Latin with Mrs Bothwell to help them make an informed choice about which languages they would like to study in Y8 and Y9. Latin is a subject that many students will not know much about, so the aim of these taster sessions is to give them a very basic introduction to the language of the Romans. They will learn about Roman names, Roman numbers, where and when Latin was spoken and the links it has with English and with other European languages. There will also be a chance to discuss how studying Latin is different from studying a modern language and why we might choose to learn a language that is no longer spoken today. Full details about the language options process for current Y7 students will be circulated soon.
Mrs Bothwell
Languages Department
Maths Challenge 2023 Winners!
This Wednesday, Newcastle University held the prizegiving ceremony for their annual maths challenge.
There were 855 entries this year, and the standard for prize winning entries was very high. In total, 42 prizes and 44 certificates were awarded for the two challenges. Entries came from 43 schools and winners were from 33 of these schools.
We were delighted to hear that our students claimed 5 of the 23 prizes awarded for the Junior challenge, and one of the 27 certificates. We also had one student win a prize in the Senior challenge. Huge congratulations to Nikolay, Ben, Josh, Dhruv, Masha, Dunya and Sascha for this fantastic achievement!
Mrs Urwin
Subject Leader for Mathematics
Sixth Form Notices
Please click the link below to read the weekly digest of news and information for Sixth Form Students.
PE News
On Wednesday, our Year 8 football team played their final league game of the season as we hosted King James. We secured a comfortable 5 - 0 victory with Zack Smith scoring 4 goals.
On Thursday, our Year 7 team also completed their league campaign with another straight-forward 6 - 1 win. This was also a cup semi-final game, so they join our Year 8, 9 & 10 teams in finals over the next couple of weeks.
Yesterday, as County Champions, our U15 boys and girls handball teams travelled to Oldham to compete in the Northern Schools Regional Finals. Against the best 8 schools in the north, both teams remained unbeaten in their group games to win the group and reach the semi-finals. The girls faced Queen Elizabeth School and played their best handball of the day as they won 6 - 2 to reach the final. The boys’ semi-final was much more dramatic, as a high-quality game ended 4 - 4. A penalty shoot-out followed, and we held our nerve as Alex Graham scored the winning penalty to send us into the final.
The girls faced Oasis School, who we had already beaten in the group stages. However, this time they got the upper hand as we struggled to break down a strong defence. Well done for finishing runners-up in the North. The boys faced St Michael's School. We took an early lead and continued to control the game as we became Northern Schools Champions with a 4 - 1 win.
The top two schools from this event reach the national finals so both teams will now travel to Nottingham University on Sunday 11th June to compete in the national finals.
Incredibly this will be our 4th national final already this academic year - following cross-country, swimming and netball teams.
We have also had national success for our students outside of school.
A total of forty-nine girls representing eleven different schools recently participated in the 14th annual Fives National Schools Girls' Championships, held at Marlborough College.
Fives, a unique heritage sport, is played in a 4-wall court using one's hands, similar to Squash. The City of Durham Fives Club, which trains at the Durham University Fives courts, saw their Singles champion, Camille Beattie, successfully defend her title in the Under 18 category. Together with her club partner Imogen Wright, also retained their Doubles title, marking a significant achievement in this highly competitive tournament. You can click here for more information.
Mr Hopper
Subject Leader for PE