2 May 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
I hope you have had a lovely, relaxing Easter break and are looking forward to sun filled bank holiday weekend. For two of our Year 7 students it was a particularly special Easter break as they had the exciting opportunity to become part of the Royal Court for a few hours and spend time with King Charles and Queen Camilla.
You may have seen in the news that Durham had a royal visit over the Easter holidays, as the King and Queen held their annual Royal Maundy Service at the cathedral. Our History department reliably inform me that this is an ancient tradition which dates back to 600AD; on the Thursday before Easter Day, there is a special service in which The King expresses his gratitude for those who serve and volunteer in their communities by giving them Maundy Money. Previously, the monarch would have washed the feet of the people at the service, as a re-enactment of Jesus washing his disciple’ feet at the Last Supper. They would be accompanied by children carrying flowers to cover any unpleasant odours from the feet the monarch was washing; although King Charles did not wash any feet in Durham, the role of ‘Children of the Royal Almonry’ is still part of the service linking directly back to medieval times.
We were delighted that two of the children with this important role at this years’ service were Durham Johnston students, and we were very proud to see them carrying out their duties dressed so smartly in their uniform. Eve and Sam, both in Year 7, were a credit to the school, and were both awarded Headteacher’s Awards in recognition of how well they represented the school at this high-profile event. You can read their thoughts on the experience below!
Eve:
I was stunned when I got told I was taking part. I had to keep it a secret for ages. When the day came, I couldn't stop smiling so my cheeks hurt by the end.
The king spoke to me first and asked, “do you like school?” and, “do you play an instrument?” I replied, “I love school!” and “Yes I play an instrument, I play the flute”. His handshake was firm but gentle and his voice was quiet but kind. Then I met the queen, her handshake was dainty and she had gloves on. She asked about the day and it was nice.
Lots of people have asked ‘were you supposed to give the flowers to the queen?’ The posy was part of the tradition when the king washed the feet the flowers – they were to stop the king from smelling their feet. The white sash across all the children was that we were wearing towels as another part of the tradition, so we had to wear them all the time and then when we went outside for the official photograph the king and queen stood right behind me it was amazing! I felt honoured and very privileged that I had met the king and I've been smiling ever since.
Sam:
I was chosen to take part in the Royal Maundy Service because I am part of the Durham Cathedral worshipping community, as is Eve. In the service we had to follow the king down the aisles and pews as he gave out pouches of Maundy Money to the recipients while we held posies. It was very exciting but nerve-wracking meeting the king and queen, and it was very strange seeing my face all over the newspapers!
I’d like to thank Eve and Sam for not only representing the school but also sharing their experience. I look forward to hearing Eve’s critique of my handshake when I see her next!
A reminder that school is closed on Monday for the bank holiday – fingers crossed the weather holds!
Mrs McFadden
Classics
Announcing the fourth in our “Classics and...” lecture series, where we invite academics to tell us about the links between the ancient world and other areas of the school curriculum.
Classics & Music - A Musical Odyssey - Clive Letchford, Warwick University
Clive will be exploring the music of the ancient world, from Homer to the emperor Nero. What role did music play in the lives of the Greeks and Romans? Do we know what it sounded like?
Tuesday 6th May, James Hall, 4.00-5.30pm
The talk is aimed at sixth-form students but is open to younger students as well. We are also welcoming students from other schools in the area. There will be time to ask questions afterwards over squash and biscuits.
Mrs Bothwell
Languages Department
Cyber Explorers Cup
Congratulations to our teams who took part in the Cyber Explorers Cup before Easter. The Cyber Explorers Cup involves completing a series of cyber-related challenges based on the content learnt in Cyber Explorers Club. Points were given based on how many challenges were completed and also the speed of which they were completed.
The winners have been announced and although we didn't take the top spot, we managed to secure a place in the top 50 (Top 50 Leaderboard)!
Well done to all those who took part, and if you are interested in taking part next year, look out for Cyber Explorers Club starting up again in the next school year!
Mr O'Connor
Lead Teacher of KS4/5 Computing
Year 10 Business
This week in Business we focused on training and development. To consolidate this some of our Year 10s became "trainers" and the rest became the "trainee". This is a great way for students to link the concepts to real-world examples and to get an insight into how new skills are learnt.
This week we have been taught how to: say some simple phrases in Polish and Dutch, throw a rugby ball properly, do keepy-ups, perform a dance routine, do a walking handstand (yes, that was as tricky as you'd imagine); we also learnt how to march (Ruby was very strict!) and perform some traditional Indian dance moves (loved that).
I think we all realised that more often than not skills come with practice and hard work!
I was really impressed with the coaching styles of our students - some modelled, others explained, some did both and all showed a real aptitude for teaching - well done Year 10.
Miss Forbes
Subject Lead for Business & Computing
Music Notices
16th Annual School Music Festival
This year's School Music Festival will be held on the evening of Thursday 26th June in James Hall.
The three classes will take place at the following times,
Class 1 (Grades 1-3) – 6.00pm
Class 2 (Grades 4-5) – 6.45pm
Class 3 (Grades 6+) – 7.30pm
The competition is open to all pupils who take music lessons outside school (including piano and singing), as well as those who receive tuition in school from DMS. Pieces, which must be solo (accompanied or unaccompanied), must last no longer than 3 minutes for Classes 1 and 2, and 4 minutes for Class 3. Pupils who play more than one instrument may enter a maximum of two different classes and the grades for each round refer to the standard of the piece performed and not to any formal qualification held.
Please follow this link for more information and an entry form.
Durham Double Reeds-A new generation!
We are looking for the new generation of double reed players and are delighted to let you know about a new fully funded* scholarship opportunity to learn the oboe or bassoon with Durham Music Service and the British Double Reed Society. Durham Music Service has been recognised by the British Double Reed Society as a leading service in the country and by working in partnership, they want to give more young people the opportunity to learn these very special instruments.
If your child would be interested in exploring this possibility, please see the information below and email me, Mr Holmes, via school@durhamjohnston.org.uk if you have any questions.
Information from Durham Music Service:
Participants in the scheme will receive:
- Fully subsidised instrumental tuition from Durham Music Service on the oboe or bassoon.
- Fully subsidised instrument hire
- First supply of oboe and bassoon reeds provided by Durham Music Trust.
- Access to YUMU online musical learning
- Opportunities to take part in special events and workshops including those provided by Durham Music Service and wider partners such as The Glasshouse, BDRS and Durham University.
What we ask from families:
- To sign up for lessons and agree to our Terms and Conditions
- To be part of our double reed story. We hope to promote the journey of these young musicians on the BDRS socials and DMS website.
- *All costs in the initial stages are fully subsidised as we want to remove financial barriers for all. However, after 1 term of learning, we will introduce a system of pay what you can afford. If you feel you can support in any way, this would be much appreciated and support the long-term inclusive aims of the project. More details of how to donate will be forwarded later in the Summer Term.
- To arrange insurance cover for musical instruments.
Music for a Summer Evening
This is an informal evening of music making for Y13 leavers and their parents/ carers and friend. It will take place in James Hall on Thursday 3rd July, James Hall, 7.00pm.
Tickets are now on sale from the Music Department and for more information please follow this link.
Mr Holmes
Subject Leader for Music
PE News
It has been excellent this week to start our summer sports programme in such lovely weather. The attendance at clubs and trials has been amazing, with nearly 100 students taking part in athletics practice on Wednesday.
We have also been concluding the winter sports fixtures with handball, football, rugby and basketball this week.
On Monday our U13 boys’, U13 girls’ and U15 girls’ handball teams were at the Beacon of Light for the regional finals. It was outstanding news as all three teams finished in the top 2 places to qualify for the national finals which take place at Nottingham University in June. That will be our 5th national finals appearance this year.
On Tuesday our Year 9 boys’ football team were at Bishop Auckland football club stadium facing Whitworth in the Bishops Cup final. We started strongly and were 3-0 ahead at half-time. We controlled the second half going on to claim the trophy with a 3-1 victory. A confident and professional performance all round. Finn R, Harry S and POM Malachi D scored our goals.
On Wednesday our U16 boys’ rugby team travelled to Mowden Park Stadium to play Egglescliffe in the Cleveland Cup Final. We struggled in the first half going 22-0 behind, but an outstanding second half performance saw us get back into the game and had chances to win in the last few minutes. However, we couldn't quite secure the points needed, losing by one score.
Yesterday the first cricket games of the season took place as our Year 7 boys’, Year 8 boys’ and U13 girls’ teams all travelled to Barnard Castle for friendly matches. In perfect conditions, it was an outstanding afternoon of cricket played in a great spirit. Our Year 7 boys won by 50 runs. Our Year 8 boys and U13 girls both lost. This was excellent preparation for the County Cup competitions which start next week.
Good luck tonight to our Year 8 basketball team who make the short journey to Framwellgate for their play-off game in the Junior NBA competition.
Finally, a reminder to those going on the Malaga sports trips this summer that the parents meeting is taking place on Tuesday starting at 6.00pm in the James Hall. We look forward to seeing you all there.
Mr Hopper
Subject Leader for PE
A reminder of our weekly sports bulletin:
Sports Bulletin