11 April 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
The Easter break represents an opportunity for rest and reflection, and this week I have found myself thinking back to September. I started this year as Acting Headteacher and in my very first bulletin I was contemplating what it meant to be the headteacher of as unique a school as Durham Johnston. Seven months later and I find myself coming back full circle following my appointment last week as the permanent Headteacher, only this time I am reflecting on the future. I feel uniquely privileged to have been entrusted with the care of our school – our community, our values and our ethos – and have been touched by the many messages of support from parents, carers, staff and students.
It is impossible to consider the future of Durham Johnston without also reflecting on its past and long history of being a comprehensive school serving the children of Durham. I want to reassure parents and carers that I remain fully committed to the five core values of our school; I will continually strive to give our students the best possible start in life regardless of background or ability. I will encourage them, in the words of a previous headteacher, “take to heart the school’s motto and courageously seek for wisdom, and the world will be a better place because of their presence in it”, and to uphold the institution that is Durham Johnston Comprehensive School. I may have a few more bags under my eyes than I did at the start of the year, but I am pleased to report I am, if anything, filled with even more energy to take the school forward and to fully achieve our own high standards and expectations.
I would also like to reflect on what has been a very busy term for our students in school. This week has been notable for some truly outstanding achievements for Year 10 in PE and maths in particular. As you will see below, Ben B is excelling in swimming at the World School Games, and we received the news that another our students, Henry G, has won the North East Best in Region certificate for the UKMT Hamilton Olympiad 2025. This certificate is awarded to the highest scoring UK-eligible student in each UK region, and is an exceptional achievement; one which we have never seen in this school. I continue to be blown away by our extraordinary students. I have been so proud watching our Year 11s and Year 13s continue to embody resilience and commitment as they prepare for their exams starting just after Easter. Their effort, dedication and determination has made them excellent role models for our younger students. It is not just the extracurricular and academic achievements that have stood out this half term. So many of our students have continued to show kindness, perseverance and a strong sense of community spirit whether they be working in the classroom or socialising with their friends on the yard. These qualities should not be overlooked and will serve them not only in school but also when they leave us and make their way in the world.
I hope the Easter holidays allows all members of our community some well-deserved time to relax, the opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones, and enjoy the springtime - fingers crossed the sunshine stays!
Mrs McFadden
Formula 1 in Schools National Finals.
The DT Engineering department took two teams to compete at the national finals in Rotherham last week. The two teams had to set up their own mini F1 team and complete all of the tasks that real F1 teams go through. Tasks such as developing a brand, seeking sponsorship, designing both the car and graphic identity, manufacturing and presenting their work. They worked really well in stiff competition with numerous private and high performing grammar schools.
They did extremely well with our Year 10 team (Arundo) finishing 6th in the UK and the Year 11 team winning the Team Identify award.
Mr Glover
Design Technology Department
Foodbank – Easter Appeal
Earlier this term we asked our students to spread a little joy by providing the foodbank with a selection of Easter Eggs. We hoped to give a little something to as many families as possible. The Foodbank were so low on items such as this and we wanted to do something to support them. The Foodbank do amazing work for families in our local community.
Our aim was 100 eggs, which we thought might be a stretch, but really wanted to help. Last week we collected the donations - just WOW! There were hundreds of eggs dropped off and we exceeded our target; in fact, we quintupled it! Can we say a HUGE thank you to everyone who collected, donated and went out to buy the eggs - it really is appreciated and you’ve made such a difference. The foodbank collected the items on Wednesday (we needed a van as there were so many). This means families receive the treats in time for Easter!
Miss Forbes
Senior Teacher, the House System
Year 7 Easter Relay Course
Year 7 students had the opportunity to participate in an Easter relay competition in form time, during the last three weeks of this term. The students were competing in teams of five for a chance to win the first ever DJCS Easter Egg Cup! 28 teams in total entered the competition.
All students could participate by entering a team/cheering for other members of their form. The students took on obstacles such as jumping through hoops, egg and spoon race, bean bag throwing and the students’ favourite… ‘Rabbit burrow tunnel’!
It was a fantastic atmosphere and lovely to see the students working together as a team and cheering for other members of their form.
The eventual winners won an Easter Egg/medal each and the first ever ‘DJCS Easter Egg Cup’ trophy. Thank you, Year, 7 for the support, laughs and occasional tantrums!
Mrs Cummings
Assistant Year Leader, Year 7
Drama Notices
Congratulations to all students involved in the KS3 drama show on Wednesday 9th April. They completely ran the show and did themselves proud.
Due to the external exams beginning in the second week in Easter, all extracurricular clubs will be suspended until the summer. Students will be informed when activities start again.
Ms Ayrey
Subject Lead for Drama
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.
Entry forms will be available from the Music Department after Easter.
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 you 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.
Mr Holmes
Subject Leader for Music
PE News
It has been an incredibly busy few days of football cup semi-finals and finals.
Last Friday night our Year 11 boys were at Maiden Castle taking on Monkwearmouth Academy in the County Cup final. We scored an early goal but found ourselves 2-1 down at half-time. Unfortunately, we conceded another goal at the start of the second half but never let our heads go down. We fought back to 3-2 and had chances to take the game to penalties but in the end had to settle for runners up. It was a disciplined and mature performance from the whole team who were all joint POM's.
On Monday our U19 boys’ team were at Meadowfield for the Tyneside Cup final. We took on a strong St Thomas More side. We scored the only goal of the game to become Tyneside Champions. This was a wonder strike and goal of the season contender from Oscar D. Joint POMs were Sam H and Oscar D. This team are now Tyneside Champions, League Cup Champions and League Champions – only the second ever DJ U19 team to win that many trophies!
On Tuesday our Year 10 boys’ team hosted Mortimer in the County Cup semi-final. It was an incredibly close game with neither team able to find a goal. Penalties were needed and unfortunately our penalty curse stuck again as we lost 4-2. Joint POMs were Joe Shields and Finn R.
Also on Tuesday, our Year 8 rugby team played High Tunstall in a cup game. We played some great rugby and never gave up but were unable to contend with a very big and physical High Tunstall side.
Other good performances also this week by our Year 9 football team and Year 7, 8 and 10 rugby teams.
Amazing news this week from Serbia. Year 10 Ben B is in Serbia representing England Swimming at the World School Games. The are currently only halfway through the competition but Ben is already a double World Schools champion with victories in the 400M medley and 200M butterfly. Outstanding.
The winter clubs have now finished, and we are looking forward to the start of the summer program with boys’ tennis and girls’ cricket on the first Monday back after Easter.
Mr Hopper
Subject Leader for PE
A reminder of our weekly sports bulletin:
Sports Bulletin
