24 October 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
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. Unlike the Duracell bunny, we can’t go on and on, and we need half term to rest, relax, spend time with family and friends and make sure we come back ready to power through the next half term! (Other batteries are available) For our students, it’s 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.
The deadline for Sixth Form applications is the week we return to school, so this seems like an opportune moment to share an exert from Poppy, one of our Year 13 students, on her time so far at Durham Johnston.
“As an external student who joined Durham Johnston in Year 12, I am so pleased with my experience at Durham Johnston. I came from a much smaller private school, so I expected moving to a sixth form with over a hundred students to feel overwhelming, but it couldn’t have been more welcoming. The Sixth Form leads are supportive and always ready to help with everything from university applications and subject choices to mental health and project organisation. The students are equally great: everyone is driven and motivated, creating a really positive and encouraging atmosphere. I’ve loved getting involved in the wider school community too, from being a paired reader with a Year 7 pupil to volunteering as a Maths Ambassador and a head student. The opportunities in Sixth Form have not only been rewarding but have helped me build confidence and new skills which will be useful in university and jobs in the future. I can confidently say that joining Durham Johnston was the right decision - the balance between academic challenge, community spirit, and even great food (the pizza twists and chocolate muffins are unbeatable!) makes it a great place to study and grow.”
We are very proud of our Sixth Form and the exceptional opportunities we provide for our students. More information about courses and how to apply can be found on the school website here; the deadline for applications is 5th November.
On a different note, it is with a mix of sadness, gratitude and celebration that we have this week said farewell, but hopefully not goodbye, to two excellent members of our school support staff who have both been in their own way pillars of our school community with 39 years of service between them - Mrs Taylor and Mrs Young. When we think about the success of a school, our minds often first turn to the students or the teachers, but in reality, a school is a finely tuned machine and the support staff are the strong foundations upon which everything else stands. They are often the friendly faces, the calm voices in a mad and busy day, the meticulous organizers who ensure that the engine of this school keeps running. Without all of their work behind the scenes, their kindness, and their commitment to our school community, the important work of educating your children simply couldn't happen. We wish both Mrs Taylor and Mrs Young a happy and well-earned retirement.
I hope all members of our community have a restful and relaxing half term and I hope you all have the opportunity to spend more time with the people you are about or at the very least have the chance to get lost in a really good book.
Mrs McFadden
SEND Clinic
We will be holding SEND online clinics every month for parents to meet with a member of the learning support team to discuss any area of their child's learning or development. The aim of the clinic to identify the most appropriate support which may be signposting to external support. The next clinic will be held online 20th November between 10-12am. If you would like to make an appointment to talk with a member of school staff please contact Mrs Sangster who will arrange this for you via learningsupport@durhamjohnston.org.uk.
Author Visit
We are delighted to be welcoming Emma Carroll into school after half term to speak to Year 7s about her new book, Dracula & Daughters on Friday 7th November. Students can pre-order a copy to have it signed on the day.
This can be ordered on ParentPay by Monday 3rd November for £6.50, or students can bring in £6.50 cash to buy on the day.
About the author:
Emma Carroll is a British author who writes exciting and emotional stories for children. Before she became a writer, she worked as a secondary school English teacher. Her first book, Frost Hollow Hall, was published in 2013 and was loved by many readers.
Emma is best known for writing historical fiction, which means her stories are set in the past. Some of her most popular books include Letters from the Lighthouse, Secrets of a Sun King, and The Somerset Tsunami. These stories often include mystery, adventure, and brave characters—especially girls!
Dracula & Daughters
PACKED FULL OF ATMOSPHERE AND DELICIOUSLY GOTHIC DETAIL, the first in a brand-new adventure series: when three cousins discover they’re descendants of Dracula, they combine their powers to form the infamous vampire healing company, DRACULA & DAUGHTERS!
Strange happenings are afoot in Temstown. Everyone is saying vampires are to blame and the townsfolk have their stakes at the ready.
But Mina, Buffy and Bella, three unusual cousins, are about to discover a family secret – and an ancient book – that could change everything. Could their connection to Dracula give them the powers to heal – not cull – vampires?
Temstown is about to welcome its very first vampire healing company, Dracula & Daughters, and their first case is certainly close to the heart!
Miss Bailey
English Department
Music Notices
Key Dates for Next Half Term
Wednesday 3rd December: Instrumental Christmas Concert, 7pm, James Hall
Thursday 4th December: Choral Christmas Concert, 7pm, James Hall
Tickets will be on sale from 6pm, Friday 7th November; more details after half term.
Friday 19th December, School Carol Service at Durham Cathedral.
Orchestra, Senior Choir, Junior Choir and Chamber Choir will be involved in this event.
Music Maestro Visits Johnston Senior Choir
Paul McCreesh, musical director of the Gabrieli Orchestra and Choir, visited Durham Johnston for the first time on Thursday 16th February to work with our Senior Choir. Mr McCreesh is an internationally renowned conductor, specialising particularly in authentic Baroque performance. In his ‘spare’ time Paul heads up the inspiring Gabrieli Roar programme for young singers and choirs, and our Senior Choir will be performing Vivaldi’s Gloria with Paul and his professional orchestra and solo singers in February at Durham Cathedral.
Paul was really impressed with the choir. We hope this marks the start of an excellent working relationship with the Gabrieli Roar programme, including the amazing summer school that culminates in singing large scale works such Verdi’s Requiem or Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius at Ely Cathedral in the first week of the summer holidays.
Mr Haworth
Subject Leader for Music
PE News
On Tuesday, our Year 9 netball team travelled to St Leonard's for a league match. We dominated possession and were 6-0 ahead at half-time. We continued to control the game eventually winning 11-2. A great team performance.
Our Year 9 boys’ football team were due to play Whitburn in the County Cup but they conceded the game, so we progress to the next round. Our VIth Form football team did play as they hosted St Robert's in a League and Cup double. This was a one-sided game as we scored 8 first half goals. We went on to win 12-0 with hattricks for Dom W and Zack S, and 4 goals for POM James O.
Also playing on Tuesday were our Year 10 boys’ football team who played St Leonard's in the County Cup. We took an early lead and created lots of chances on our way to a 3-1 victory. POM was OT.
To complete a busy day, our Year 7 & 8 girls’ football teams were at Parkside for their first CVL. Neither team conceded a goal as they won four matches and drew one. Well done to all of the girls, especially our fantastic goalkeepers who were both POMs.
Football continued on Wednesday as our Year 11 boys’ team hosted Easington. We were 2-1 ahead with 5 minutes left but conceded a late goal. The match eventually went to penalties which we lost.
During the afternoon we hosted a Year 7 girls’ rugby fixture against High Tunstall. It was a great afternoon of rugby. We were brilliant and worthy winners. Thanks to Mark and the coaches from Durham City who have worked tirelessly with our girls.
Last night, our Year 8 boys’ football team travelled to Northfield in the English Schools Cup. We were 4-1 down in the second half and despite levelling the game and having lots of chances we lost the game 5-4. Joint POMs were Scarlett G and Noah W.
Finally, and on a slightly different note, we are hoping to raise some money to get a "Durham Johnston Sport" gazebo which we can use when we attending regional and national competitions. If anyone would be interested in sponsoring this then please contact me or parent volunteer Rob Kleiser via school. For more information, please click here.
Mr Hopper
Subject Leader for PE
A reminder of our weekly sports bulletin:
Sports Bulletin
We have also been asked to share the following:
School Immunisation Team
A reminder that the Flu Immunisation session is due to take place at school on 5th November, and the e-consent link will close on 29th October. Parents and carers of students in Year 7-11 have been emailed a letter with the e-consent link.