21 February 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
February half term to me always marks the end of winter and the start of spring. Whilst the weather this week may not have always agreed with me, it’s undeniable that the arrival of spring brings a certain sense of excitement, optimism, and renewed energy. The days become longer, the weather milder, trees bud, flowers bloom, and the cheeky birds start to chirp more energetically in the mornings!
As the days grow brighter and the landscape becomes livelier, our students, much like the birds, can become more energised and can exhibit an increased eagerness to participate, collaborate with peers, and take on new challenges. As teachers, our goal is to tap into this burst of motivation by offering fresh learning opportunities, consolidating prior learning and, for many of our students, supporting with the final push before the exam season begins.
The increase in natural light can have an invigorating effect on our whole community with a positive impact on mental health, boosting overall happiness and well-being. Last week we were looking at well-being in Personal Development sessions and students did a reflection activity based around five areas of self-care using NHS resources for schools. The first area was ‘Connecting with others’ and could involve something as simple as ‘having a natter’ with a friend or relative. ‘Be physically active’ was next, and the shifting weather provides great opportunities for this such as going for a walk with friends or family members, engaging in sports or participating in a shared activity. Then came ‘Learn something new/express yourself’ – an opportunity to break out of your usual routine, explore new interests or express yourself in a fresh way. This could be doing some creative writing, taking some photos, doing some gardening or, my favourite, cooking or baking - it’s therapeutic, it’s a practical life skill and you even get to enjoy the results! ‘Kindness’ was the fourth, and we should never underestimate the impact of a very simple act of kindness both on other people but also on how it makes us feel about ourselves. Lastly ‘Mindfulness’, enjoying time in the present and taking a few moments to slow ourselves down. This could involve some simple meditation, making some art or listening to some music.
The half term break is a fantastic opportunity for students to use the time spent away from the classroom to recharge and enjoy the outdoor activities that spring often offers. It might be nice for students to challenge themselves to do one of the suggestions from each of the five areas over the week to help them come back rested, recharged and ready for the road ahead.
I hope you have a lovely half term spending time with people you care about. Fingers crossed for some glorious sunshine and the opportunity to spend quality time outside.
Mrs McFadden
Year 11 Study Support
As we approach Year 11 Mock Exams and the preparation for final exams in the summer, there is a wide range of support on offer from staff. Please click here to see the full range of sessions.
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 Assessment Calendars, and 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
Year 9 Trip to Beamish
Twenty-one Year 9 Historians went to Beamish Museum last Friday, 14th February, to take part in the General Election of 1868, the first election since the Reform Act of 1867, which more than doubled the voting population.
Pupils attended a hustings in the Eston Church, where they heard from the three candidates standing for election in the North Durham Constituency – George Elliott (Tory), Sir Hedworth Williamson (Liberal) and Issac Lowthian Bell (Liberal). After listening to, jeering and cheering three speeches that touched on the ‘Irish question’, free trade and political tensions, the pupils were then subject to a brief campaign of bribery and threats.
Our principled pupils were not well swayed by the typical mid-19th century methods of payment and violence. However, in announcing who their two votes each would go to, they perfectly and unintentionally reflected the actual results of the 1868 election in North Durham. Like the voters in 1868, pupils elected George Elliott (Tory) and Sir Hedworth Williamson (Liberal). They saw why the secret ballot was introduced in the next election…
Mr Patterson
Second in Department, History Department
Geography Revision Sessions
A reminder of the revision sessions available for Year 11 Geography students:
Mr Ray
Subject Leader for Geography
Foodbank Visit
Last week we were invited along to the Foodbank in Chester-Le-Street. The Foodbank is a charitable organisation we have supported for many years, it is a charity that supports not only our local community but many of our families too.
The scale of the project is extraordinary. Food is piled floor to ceiling; the sorting and labelling is completed with absolute precision by the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to help others - incredibly inspirational. The sixth formers who accompanied us on the visit asked some excellent questions, getting a real insight into how the system works and how they can help and volunteer. We were all shocked to find out that the full right-hand side of the warehouse would be used in just one month!
We were also shown the infamous jar of Uncle Bens which went viral last year - why you might ask? Well, the donated item was produced in 1998 – making it only slightly younger than Mr Wilbraham (the last statement may not be true!).
After half term we will be introducing a campaign to donate chocolate to the Foodbank to add a little treat to the parcels - just in time for Easter!
Miss Forbes
Senior Teacher, the House System
Music Notices
Spring Concerts
Our two concerts this term will take place on Wednesday 2nd April (Wind Band, Junior Orchestra, Junior Choir & Soloists), and Thursday 3rd April (Senior Choir, Senior Orchestra, Chamber Choir & Soloists). The theme is 'Greatest Hits' so prepare to hear top tunes from the past five centuries!
Tickets will be on sale from Monday 10th March at the usual inflation-proof prices of £4 and £2 (concessions). We are pleased to say that quite a few students have come forward to play a solo in the concerts and so our Wednesday slots are now full, but we would still appreciate a few more volunteers for Thursday evening. A reminder that these will be the final large-scale performances of the year, with all ensembles having a break in the summer term, therefore, it would be great to have full attendance at rehearsals over the coming weeks. This ensures a quality performance, but for Year 13 pupils it is important to make the most of your final musical experiences at Durham Johnston.
Events
We would like to draw your attention to some musical events taking place in Durham over the next few weeks, organised by 'Musicon' and Durham University. Here is some information from James Weeks of Durham University Music Department.
New Music Weekend, Sat 1st and Sun 2nd March
Join us for an exploration of new compositions from around the world at our New Music Weekend! We’ve devised this as a series of short events - at even more affordable prices than usual – so you can dip in and out as your curiosity guides you. We are joined by two of the UK’s leading new music ensembles, Plus Minus and Riot, who between them will give 3 short concerts across the two days, featuring works by Cassandra Miller, Michael Finnissy, Laurence Crane and Eric Egan among others. We’ll also explore the life and work of former Durham Music professor David Lumsdaine, including a performance of his seminal sound collage Big Meeting, based on recordings of the Miners’ Gala during the 1970s. There is also a sound walk along the river (you can listen to the sound underwater, too, without getting wet) and several workshops, including my own Meadow workshop, in which we’ll create natural soundscapes with voices and instruments. All welcome, at any level of proficiency. For a full schedule and to book tickets (or a weekend concert pass – excellent value), click here.
Fretwork, Tuesday 4th March
Our final concert of the season will feature the much-loved Fretwork viol consort, with countertenor Alexander Chance. They’ll be exploring the rich legacy of Orlando Gibbons, who died 400 years ago this year, including his intricate viol consort music and melancholy songs and madrigals. Tickets for that one can be bought here.
Mr Holmes
Subject Leader for Music
PE News
On Monday our U13 girls’ football team hosted Whickham in the County Cup. This was a close game throughout. The game ended 1-1 and extra time couldn't separate the teams, so penalties were needed. We held our nerve and helped by some great goalkeeping we reached the next round with a 2-1 win. The whole team were POM.
It was the turn of our boy footballers to be in County Cup action on Tuesday as our Year 8 team travelled to Monkwearmouth in the quarterfinal. A tight first half ended 0-0, and the game stayed close in the second half, eventually finishing 1-1. As we reached injury time in extra time, a great corner from Levi G was headed home by Toby R to give us a 2-1 win and a place in the County Cup semi-final where we face Tanfield. Joint POMs were Ollie V-W and Sam G.
Also on Tuesday, we welcomed into school members of the Durham Women's football team who are going to be working with our girl footballers over a few sessions. This week we learned about the history of the club and their recent success. Future sessions will include training with the players, careers in football and a match day tour.
Wednesday was a busy day with sportshall athletics, handball and rugby. Our Year 7 & 8 boys’ and girls’ sportshall athletics teams were at Newton Aycliffe for the County finals. The best six schools in each age group took part in an excellent afternoon of high-quality athletics. We dominated both track and field events to complete a clean sweep, winning all four County titles. Congratulations also to Megan P-M, Katriona R, Ruemu A and Evie K who all broke county records.
Also during the afternoon, we hosted the U16 boys County rugby tournament. We started with a tough game against Durham School which we lost. After three more competitive games we eventually finished in 4th place in the county - a great achievement.
Finally on Wednesday our U15 girls handball team were at Hermitage School for the County Finals. We started with an excellent 12-2 victory against the hosts. We then secured a tense 3-1 win against Polam Hall to win the competition and become County Champions. They now join our U13 boys’ and girls’ teams in the northern finals in April.
Yesterday we hosted the Year 8 girls’ County futsal final against High Tunstall. This was a close game which we eventually won 5-4 to become champions, and now qualify for the regional finals at the Beacon of Light in March.
Also yesterday, our Year 9 girls’ football team were at Parkside School for a CVL tournament. It was a great performance by our girls playing 4 games, winning 3 and drawing 1. Great attitude and team spirit by everyone. They remain top of the League.
Finally, good luck to our Junior and Senior girls’ cross-country teams who next Saturday (1st March) are travelling to Leeds Grammar School for the national finals. This was the event that was postponed in December due to poor weather.
Mr Hopper
Subject Leader for PE
A reminder of our weekly sports bulletin:
Sports Bulletin
