25 October 2024
Dear Parents and Carers,
“Have you tried turning it off and on again?”
This is the classic response to any IT problem because more often than not it succeeds; almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes and turn it on again, even humans! As we reach the end of the longest, and one of the busiest half terms, I think everyone in school is looking forward to a break and a chance to recharge our batteries. Half term is a great opportunity for students to take a break from the academic rigours of school, to engage in extracurricular activities such as sports or the arts, partake in a hobby they love, have cultural experiences or simply read a really good book. These activities and more let them recharge mentally and physically, and are also great for emotional well-being and personal growth.
I'm proud to write this week that our students have made a brilliant start to this academic year and have, on so many occasions, demonstrated and embodied the core values of our school. Year 11 have just finished their first set of mock exams, and their conduct and attitude throughout what can be an intense experience, has been exemplary. I might be biased because I teach a fantastic Year 11 class, but I think they are one of the best Year 11 cohorts we have had. We are very proud of the work ethic and resilience they have shown since the start of the year; excellent role models for our younger students.
Our Year 7 students have settled really well, and it has been lovely to watch their confidence grow and see their unique personalities emerge as they adapt to the busy life of our large comprehensive school. Last night was the Halloween Spooktacular, a fantastic event organised by Miss Forbes and the house team. I’m sure you will join me in thanking all the staff and the many sixth form volunteers who stayed late in school to make the event such a success – a great demonstration of our core value of public service. To be honest I’m not sure who enjoyed it more! At the end of the evening, I had the opportunity to chat to a delightful Year 7 boy whilst waiting for his parent to collect him. I asked him if he had enjoyed the evening – “Brilliant! Best Halloween I’ve ever had! You see I don’t like sweets miss, so this was so much fun, the hide and seek was amazing and the voice (on the tannoy) was soooooo spooky!” A rave review indeed. He went on to tell me he had come from a primary school with only 71 students but that he loved it here and, as these conversations inevitably seem to go, we ended up talking about school dinners. I won’t name the primary, but I now have it on good authority that our roast dinners are much better than theirs; “it's the gravy miss, primary's was so watery”. All credit goes our fantastic catering team!
As we go into the October half term, external agencies always ask us to remind parents about road safety during the darker nights, as well as bonfire and firework safety. You can find some resources from County Durham’s Fire and Rescue Service at this link. On a similar note, some of our students recently embodied our belief in being upstanders not bystanders when they alerted us to stickers on lampposts all along the A167. These stickers had QR codes on them that, if scanned, led to inappropriate sites selling illegal vapes and drugs. We have reported these to the police (who have removed them) and DCC but we wanted to make parents and carers aware. If you see anything like this in your local area, please report it to the police but be wary of removing them yourself as the police have said that some had sharp object behind the stickers.
During the week off, I hope that all members of our school community – students, staff and parents – have the opportunity to spend some quality time with family and friends, to take part in activities they enjoy or simply find some time for themselves to curl up with a book.
Hard work is important; rest is important. Value both and ignore neither.
Have a lovely half term.
Mrs McFadden
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
For Years 7-10 these pages include Assessment Calendars for the year.
Curriculum overviews have been updated for the new half term.
Book Drive
Over the past three weeks, we have been blown away by the generosity of the Durham Johnston Community! Thank you to every student who donated to the book drive and for your support at home! Due to the donations, we have now surpassed the required 1,000 books. The final total of donations can be found below, and these will be added to the house point totals for next term! Well done to book donating champions, Wakenshaw, and thank you again for your support!
|
Annand |
106 |
|
Kenny |
121 |
|
Heaviside |
90 |
|
Wakenshaw |
142 |
|
Total |
459 |
Miss Bailey
KS3 English Coordinator
Year 7 News
Bright Sparks!
Each month in Year 7 we are celebrating those students who exemplify what it means to be a Durham Johnston student and who embody our year group ethos of SPARK (Support, Positivity, Attitude, Respect and Kindness). This could be through a number of different ways such as acquiring knowledge or expertise in a subject area, achieving a high number of house points, contribution to extra-curricular, exemplary manners or awards for public service and social justice.
It was extremely hard to choose but our 'Bright Sparks' for September are below. October's Bright Sparks will follow very soon and nominations are coming in thick and fast already!
Year 7 get into the Halloween spirit
This week, Year 7 students have been getting into the Halloween spirit by decorating their form room doors with Halloween decorations! I'm sure you'd agree their efforts are amazing, they have really risen to the challenge.
House points were on offer for the top three forms. Our winners were 7JW, closely followed by 7RH in second place and 7UA in third.
We're looking forward to seeing those entries come flooding in for our Pumpkin carving competition running during half term. Students have been asked to send their photographs via Teams to Mrs Anderson or Mrs Ward.
Mrs Anderson and Mrs Ward
Year Leader and Assistant Year Leader for Year 7
House System News – Spooktakular
Thursday saw the return of our annual Halloween Spooktacular.
220 Year 7 students joined us for a night filled with fun and games. We danced, we hid, ran, played games, and ate donuts a-plenty - and that was just the staff! But in all seriousness the students were a credit to you and the school - superb behaviour and so much fun! Their dance moves are questionable, but they've got time to learn!
Huge thanks to the team of staff and sixth formers who give up their time for free - you really are magic.
Miss Forbes
Senior Teacher, the House System
Music Notices
Christmas Concerts
Rehearsals are going well for the Christmas Concerts, which will take place on Wednesday 4th December (Junior Orchestra, Junior Choir, Wind Band, Clarinet Group & Soloists) and Thursday 5th December (Senior Orchestra, Senior Choir, Chamber Choir, Cello Group & Soloists). Rehearsals that week will follow a different pattern, with those performers involved in the Wednesday concert rehearsing 2.45-4.00pm on Monday 2nd December, and those involved in the Thursday concert rehearsing on Tuesday 3rd 2.45-4.00pm. We will reiterate these arrangements nearer to the time. Tickets for both concerts will go on sale on Monday 11th November from the Music Department, at a cost of £4.00 each (£2.00 concessions) payable by cash or cheque (made out to 'Durham Johnston School').
Manchester Camerata Workshop
Durham Music Service are proud to present an exciting opportunity for a workshop and live performance with Manchester Camerata. There will be a workshop for performers at Darlington Forum, Saturday 23 November 1.30-4pm then an opportunity to perform live in Darlington Hippodrome, Monday 25 November. This is open to all instrumental disciplines Grade3-8, and gives you a great opportunity to play alongside an array of professional musicians!
Registration details can be found at this link, and more information from concert venue, the Darlington Hippodrome can be found here.
Instrumental Lessons - New Starters Brass Lessons
There are currently vacancies for new starters for French Horn, Baritone Horn, Trombone and Tuba. Any pupils who are interested should see Mr Holmes in the Music Department in the first instance. As an incentive to support those who are interested in this opportunity, Durham Music Service is able to offer free hire of instruments for the remainder of this, and next term.
Mr Holmes
Subject Leader for Music
PE News
It is exciting this week to start with news of national success. Year 11 student WC has become England National Boxing champion for his age and weight category (under 42kg). He won the North East prelims and qualified for the next stage. He then won the semi-final on Saturday and fought a southern boxer in the final, winning gold to became National Champion.
He is the first male ever boxer to win this title at Brandon Boxing Club!
On Monday our Year 8 boys’ football team travelled to Whitburn School in the County Cup. We dominated possession but struggled to score as we reached half-time at 0-0. However, two second-half goals saw us through to the last 16. Toby R was POM.
On Tuesday our Year 8 boys’ football team were in league cup action at Staindrop. This time we did find the net regularly as we completed a comprehensive 9-0 victory with Dylan F POM after scoring 4 goals.
Also on Tuesday, our U14 girls’ football team took on Lord Lawson in the County Cup. We went a goal behind in the first half but played some excellent football to fight back in the second half, going on to win 4-2. A great team performance but POM was Gabby A.
To complete a successful evening, our Year 10 boys’ football team hosted North Durham Academy also in the County Cup. They were also 1-0 behind at half-time, but also fought back to win 3-1 with a hattrick from Zack S. Will H was POM.
On Wednesday our VIth form football team were due to play Whitburn in the league, but they conceded the match.
On Thursday our Year 7 - 10 boys’ football teams hosted Whitworth Park in the final round of league games before the winter break. Despite having all the possession, and hitting the post several times, our Year 7 team found themselves 3-0 down late in the second half. We scored two late goals but couldn't find the equaliser, losing 3-2.
Despite fielding an understrength team, our Year 8s remain unbeaten and top of the league after an excellent 10-1 win. Reid S and Sam G were joint POMs.
It was a difficult night for both our Year 9 & 10 teams. Both games were of a high standard and well contested. However, our Year 9's lost 4-3 and our Year 10's lost 2-1.
Also last night, our Year 10 rugby team took part in a CVL at Maiden Castle. They remained unbeaten securing victories against Woodham and St John's. A big thank you to Year 12 Sam W who gave up his evening to referee.
Finally, more outstanding news this week for our swimming teams. Following the recent regional championships it has just been announced that our senior boys’ team have qualified for the national finals for the 3rd year running. They have qualified 16th fastest in the country for freestyle and 20th in the medley relay.
They now travel down to the Sandwell Aquatics Centre, Birmingham for the national finals on Saturday 16th November.
Mr Hopper
Subject Leader for PE
A reminder of our weekly sports bulletin:
Sports Bulletin
We have also been asked to share the following:
Flu vaccinations for Years 7-11
The school immunisation team with be in school on 18th November for flu vaccinations. If you wish for your child to receive this, please complete the electronic consent form linked within this letter.