28 March 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
As we approach the end of another very busy week in school, I am pleased to see the sun shining. It’s the time of year when after the end of the school day, the sound of the ensembles rehearsing resonates around the building, classrooms are filled with exam students making the most of after school revision, and corridors become more difficult to navigate as tents and camping equipment are subjected to their last-minute checks before DofE expeditions begin in earnest.
It’s Mother’s Day on Sunday, which is a great time to take stock of the incredible role that our remarkable caregivers play in our lives, whether that be mothers, grandmothers, aunts or any other person who provides us with unconditional love and support and help shape us in countless ways. This weekend is an opportunity to express our gratitude for all the love, care and hard work they put in every single day.
My mother remains to this day an inspirational figure in my life. She grew up in a small mining community in Scotland. Her own mother, despite having limited formal education herself, strongly instilled in her the importance of education – particularly for a woman – making the most of opportunities and achieving your full potential. Consequently, my mother trained as a nurse, completed an Open University degree when we were all young, and ended up an educator herself teaching the next generation of nurses in higher education. Throughout my early life she passed these same values onto me, and I credit her in no small part for my own motivation, drive and commitment to the transformative nature of education.
I’m sure many of you reading this will have your own stories of inspirational caregivers who have shaped your lives and now, in turn, you are shaping the lives of your own children. The students of Durham Johnston are a credit to your efforts and, as I shared in my letter earlier this week, they “embody the best of the best of the school”.
I hope all caregivers have a lovely day on Sunday; and Mum, if you are reading this – happy Mother’s Day!
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 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
GCSE Business
Our Y11 GCSE Business students were set a task, to create or innovate a product to help reduce our carbon footprint, or reduce emissions, prevent waste, recycle and save the planet! Students formed teams and each team member was assigned a role. This included digital marketing, financing, production and a pitch. The standard across the two days was superb with some really viable ideas which could actually become a valid business. Some of the adverts would put the Apprentice candidates to shame - expertly created and edited. Well done Year 11 - you continue to impress us.
Miss Forbes
Subject Lead for Business & Computing
Year 11 Football Team
Last Friday the U16 boys football team made Durham Johnston history by becoming the first team EVER to reach the County Cup Final at U16. The cup has been running for over 50 years. The team beat Carmel College with an impressive 3-0 victory, a team that had not been beaten in 2 years in their league!!
The boys played outstandingly, and their conduct matched their achievement.
The final is Friday 4th April at Maiden Castle, and we play a very strong Monkwearmouth (football) Academy. Whatever the outcome of the final, this is a phenomenal achievement. Most of the team are current Year 11 pupils, so they are juggling GCSE revision alongside their sporting commitments.
We are so proud of what they have achieved. Well done boys, what a way to end your GCSE year!
Our PE staff dedicate a substantial amount of time outside of school hours to our numerous sports teams. It goes without saying that the team would not be where it is without their coach, Mr Kidd. Here are a few words from the Year 11s.
“Mr Kidd – We just wanted to say thanks for all you’ve done taking time out of your day to run after-school training, taking us to matches, plus all the support you’ve given on and off the pitch for 5 years now. Cheers sir!”
Mrs Banner
Year Leader for Year 11
Non-Uniform Day
On Tuesday 1st April we will hold our second non-uniform day. The non-uniform day will support various charities – which will be chosen by students – and our School House system.
Normal rules in relation to jewellery, lashes, make-up, false nails and heeled footwear still apply - please ensure your child does not wear them. Please remember this is a school environment - students should wear clothing and footwear suitable for school (no crop tops, offensive slogans or images etc. etc.). If clothing is not suitable students will be asked to change. If students have PE that day, they must have their full school PE kit with them.
This is totally optional. However, if students would like to wear non-uniform, please could they bring in a donation of £1 which can be handed to tutors from Friday 28th March to Friday April 4th.
Thank you in advance for your support and for helping us to donate to local charities and those in need.
Miss L Forbes
Senior Teacher, the House System
Music Notices
Spring Concerts - 'Greatest Hits'
Our two concerts this term will take place next week, 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 have been on sale for a couple of weeks now, but there are still some left for both nights, although not very many for Thursday 3rd. They are £4 and £2 (concessions), payment in cash or cheque (payable to Durham Johnston School), and are available from the Music department.
Rehearsal patterns next week will be slightly different from our normal schedule. Those performers involved in the Wednesday concert will rehearse 2.45-4.00pm on Monday 31st March, and those involved in the Thursday concert will rehearse on Tuesday 1st April 2.45-4.00pm. As these are in effect the 'dress rehearsals' please could we have full attendance to ensure our performances are as good as they possibly can be.
Both concerts will take place at school in James Hall, beginning at 7.00pm. Please could all performers arrive in school by 6.40pm in full school uniform. Don't forget your instruments/music/mute/etc...!
Many thanks as ever for your support.
Mr Holmes
Subject Leader for Music
PE News
I would like to start with excellent news from the weekend about the GB national biathlon finals at Bath University. Four of our athletes had qualified for the National Finals and made the long journey to Bath for the weekend. The boys competed on Saturday, and Wilf B produced personal bests in both his run and swim to finish 4th in the country, just missing out on a medal. On Sunday, it was the turn of the girls, and again all three girls gave everything. Evie K finished in 17th, Katriona R in 19th and Freyja R in 50th. This competition is dominated by private schools, and we were one of only a handful of state schools attending.
On Tuesday our boys’ football teams had mixed fortunes as we travelled to Sedgefield for the penultimate League games of the season. Our Year 7 team again dominated possession, as they have done all season, and had many chances but just couldn't score eventually losing 1-0. Joint POMs were Cooper R & Harry F-H. Our Year 8 team fielded an understrength side but started well, taking a 1-0 lead thanks to a great strike from Levi G. However, we faded as the game went on losing our first league game of the season 4-1. Louie H was POM. It was better news for our Year 9 team who played some excellent football on their way to a comfortable 4-1 win. Our Year 10 team also won after grinding out a 1-0 victory without ever getting into their stride. The goal came from Zack S with Sam H was awarded POM.
Also on Tuesday, our U13 girls’ football team were at St Joseph's in the County Cup semifinal. They were also hit by injuries but still gave a great performance. We lost 2-0 but we are getting closer to beating them.
On Wednesday, our U18 rugby team travelled to Kingston Park to take on Tynemet College. This team is a development squad for Newcastle Falcons and train together on a regular basis. We never gave up and scored 3 tries but lost in the end.
Yesterday our U13 dodgeball team were at Bishop Auckland College for the County Finals. Despite never having played a competitive game of dodgeball before, we remained unbeaten in our group to reach the semifinals. We faced Seaham in the semifinal and despite a few nervous moments we won 8-4 to reach the County final. We struggled against a strong Sedgefield team in final but finished runners-up. The top two teams qualify for the National Finals so we are heading to Stoke in early July to compete against the best schools in the country.
Also, yesterday morning, our Year 10 vocational PE students acted as leaders for a primary school rugby festival. They received lots of praise for their conduct throughout the event.
Finally, yesterday our VIth form football team made the long journey to QEHS, Hexham in the Tyneside Cup. The game ended 1-1 despite us creating many chances. Our goal came from Louis B. The game went to penalties and a great save by Sam A saw us claim an 8-7 victory and progress to the semifinal.
Mr Hopper
Subject Leader for PE
A reminder of our weekly sports bulletin:
Sports Bulletin