31 March 2023
Dear Parents & Carers,
We have concluded the final week of this half-term with some very clear and important messages in our assemblies for all year groups. Assemblies are important, as they provide an opportunity to focus upon the school’s ethos, to celebrate success and to identify issues that might impact upon our wider school community. In our assemblies for Years 7 to 10 we outlined the importance of following instructions in school and asked students to ensure that their actions have a positive impact upon others and our wider community. We were also very clear that it required effort for our school community to be successful. Any actions intended to undermine the school’s ethos, to make things difficult for other people or to have a negative impact on opportunities to learn are unacceptable. These are obviously very important messages.
A long career in the classroom has taught me that, as a teacher or parent, we can’t simply expect children to do the right things without clear guidance and expectations. That is why we have been revisiting those basic things that make our school a positive place to learn and develop. As parents and carers, I would encourage you to discuss positive behaviour too. Young people are at school for 32 hours per week, but they actually spend most of their time at home learning how to make a positive contribution to society by being guided by their parents and families. As parents or carers, we all know that our expectations of kindness, tolerance and politeness are often mirrored by the behaviour of our children. If these things matter to us, over time they will be important to them. Obviously, some students have specific needs and go through difficult times. That can be very hard as an adult, but being consistent, fair and setting a good example are all pivotal things for children.
Based upon that, I would encourage you to talk to your child and to support the school so that they:
- Are punctual each day and, if they travel to school by bus or public transport, are well behaved and don’t make the daily journey difficult for other students. No one has the right to behave anti-socially.
- Bring two things with them each day: the equipment that they need for each lesson and, much more importantly, a desire to learn and engage positively with others.
- Put their rubbish or food in the bin at break and lunch time and don’t expect someone else to do that for them.
- Follow instructions around the building and in the classroom so that they make a positive contribution and help the school to remain safe and calm.
- Respect others and take their turn. Whether that’s speaking in class, queuing for lunch or going to the toilet. Being patient and waiting your turn is a basic act of politeness.
- Communicate politely, listen when asked to do things and not feel that every situation requires them to give an opinion. Sometimes in life you have to do what you are asked; that’s true for adults and children.
- Arrive on time to all lessons and think carefully about the lessons that are already taking places – or exams – as they move around our building.
- Go home safely, taking care near the road, use the bridges and official crossings so as to avoid accidents and do not behave unpleasantly towards other members of our community. No one has the right to behave anti-socially.
- Realise that the school will offer them support and opportunities and that positive behaviour and kindness are rewarded. We know that many students have specific needs and have experienced difficulties. That makes establishing good relationships even more important.
- Understand that they are working with adults who want them to succeed, are professionals doing an important job and don’t personalise things. Those adults might be cooking, cleaning, teaching, making the school run effectively or completing paperwork. They should all be treated with kindness and respect and will also treat you similarly if you approach things in that way.
A long career has also taught me that young people make mistakes and gets things wrong. We expect that; it is factored into the complexity of growing up. What isn’t a part of growing up, however, is being purposefully impolite or anti-social. Making a mistake is normal, making the same mistake repeatedly to make life difficult for other students or to upset people is unacceptable. Knowing that such behaviour is unacceptable starts at home.
As a parent I would also encourage you to work positively with the school and to remember how you viewed the world as a child. The stories that are shared at home might reflect a child’s perception of an event, as opposed to what actually happened. Work with us and we will always find a positive way forward. The way that we react as parents or carers is often mirrored by our children and there is no more important responsibility in life them being a good parent.
The assemblies for older students had a different focus. Year 11 considered next steps and teachers shared their personal memories of the period before exams when they were 15 or 16. It was a fascinating exercise, intended for teachers to remember the uncertainty associated with that time in their lives so that they could reflect upon the support that they can offer and for Year 11 students to realise that exams are a normal rite of passage that others have experienced. They know what exams involve now and what their strengths and weaknesses are. The next few weeks will allow them to build upon those strengths and, hopefully, eradicate as many weaknesses as possible. The key to doing so is keeping a sense of proportion, planning properly and working hard. We will offer all of the additional support, guidance and practise that we can too.
Years 12 and 13 were also preparing for the future, with Mrs Lennon sharing guidance on student finance when applying to university. We have also had parents attend school this week for a coffee morning, with Chris Affleck from Investors in Children sharing information about the services that parents can access.
Two weeks ago, I mentioned our excitement that Matthew Edge had a place in the Cambridge boat as part of this year’s annual boat race. The race took place on Sunday and Matthew was part of the winning team. I would like to congratulate Matthew and his family. It was an exhilarating race and we are very proud of his success. Whilst his success is impressive, there are other ways to succeed too. Like many of you reading this update, I would probably last for about 30 seconds in a competitive rowing race. However, we can also measure success by the kindness we show to others, the small improvements that we make at work or in school and how we correct the mistakes that we have made. I would encourage all parents and carers to share that message as we prepare to break up for the Easter holiday.
Have a good break.
Mr O’Sullivan
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 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
These will be updated for the beginning of the new term.
Road Safety
We have received notification of a vacancy for a School Patrol Officer from the Road Safety team. Please click here for more information.
Please be aware that there will be no Crossing Patrol Officers on duty after the Easter Holidays; as above, we encourage parents and carers to advise students to take care near the road, use the bridges and official crossings so as to avoid accidents.
Year 12 Visit to Durham University
On Friday 24th March 33 of our Year 12 students visited Collingwood College; a big thanks to Grant Slater and the team for the warm welcome received. The afternoon visit gave helpful insight into the educational opportunities on offer at Durham and the specific benefits of a collegiate experience. The introductory talk delivered by Grant, followed by an interactive question and answer session was informative, engaging and truly exemplified why Durham is such a unique university. The tour of the College further demonstrated the outstanding extra-curricular opportunities and first-rate facilities on offer to Durham undergraduates. A particular highlight was the visit to the recently opened music studio where some of our Year 12 students performed on Collingwood’s Steinway piano; to say it was moving to see and hear the students perform would be an understatement! Well done Year 12 and many thanks once more to Grant and the team at Collingwood and Mrs Hardwick for helping lead the visit.
Mr Wilbraham
Deputy Head of Sixth Form
Year 10 Dutch Exchange
Last week, 25 Year 10s braved the ferry across the North Sea to take part in this year's Dutch Exchange. Whilst the ferry crossing may have been rocky, the trip was anything but. The students stayed with their exchange partners, who we had welcomed to Durham a few weeks ago, and spent five days exploring the Netherlands and making lasting friendships. We spent some time in Amsterdam, visiting the famous Rijksmuseum, and also spent a day in the ancient city of Utrecht. Over the course of the trip, the students braved a high ropes course, participated in some fierce games of basketball and football, attended Dutch school lessons and learnt how to (and how not to!) embrace Dutch cycling culture. Staying with an exchange partner can be daunting, but the students really felt that they'd really grown in independence and learned a lot about stepping outside of their comfort zone, as well as making new friends and connections in a different country. The students have summed this up perfectly themselves:
" I was very anxious at first, but it was the best thing I’ve done and I’m so glad I did it"
"I think it was really worth the trip because not only did I have fun with existing friends, but I got a glimpse of a different culture, learnt new life skills and even made a new friend."
"I really enjoyed going to the Efteling theme park with my partner and our friends. It’s a super good experience and a great opportunity to make new friends!"
"The exchange is a brilliant programme that rewards you with so much."
"The bike rides were so fun and felt freeing"
"It widens your point of view and gives you so much more independence, plus so many new friends!"
“The Dutch Exchange is a great experience to see cultural differences and explore the world in someone else’s day to day life. You also make friends that you never thought you would. If you ever get the chance you should take it!”
The students were a real credit to themselves, their families and the school, and gained so much from the experience. Congratulations!
Miss Daglish
Languages Department
Sixth Form Notices
Please click the link below to read the weekly digest of news and information for Sixth Form Students.
Please also click the link below to view a ‘revision in a nutshell’ support guide.
Careers and Guidance Department Notices
Please click here to view this week’s Careers Notices.
Year 10 Work Placement Opportunity
In Year 10 students are given the opportunity to participate in a week of work experience (2 days for those attending Battlefields trip). Students are expected to arrange their own work experience placement, and this could be with parents or other family members, someone from the list I have given their form tutor, or someone who is none of the above.
It is your child's responsibility to organise their placement, so they expected to be proactive and not ignore this opportunity. The school are given a deadline by 'Futurework' (the company we pay to carry out the H&S and company vetting procedures) and if the deadline has passed they will miss out on this opportunity and must be in school that week.
Why do we value work experience at Durham Johnston?
- It provides a good opportunity to gain useful skills and experience working with a range of people from all sorts of different backgrounds.
- It provides the opportunity to experience the everyday realities of working life.
- It helps students discover their abilities and limitations.
- It provides students with the opportunity to develop their communication skills with a wide variety of people
- It empowers students to take charge of their own futures.
- Students can demonstrate their skills to employers.
- It helps young people to learn about themselves and their strengths and weaknesses, whether they are a good communicator, do they work well in a team, and do they enjoy the work as much as they expected to?
- If it turns out that the job is not a good fit, then it is better to find out on a short placement than to embark on a full-time job.
Placement Start Date: Monday 17th July 2023 (Battlefields - Thursday 13th July 2023t
Placement End Date: Friday 21st July 2023 (Battlefields - Friday 14th July 2023)
- If you know someone who can offer a placement, complete the ‘Work Experience Personal Placement’ form in full. ‘Futurework’ will speak to the nominated person on the form so please ensure the information is correct and is legible as errors may delay arranging the placement, which may then prevent your child attending the placement.
Click here to download the form. - If you do not know anyone who could offer a placement, your child could look at the list of employers given to each form class. This is a full list of companies in DH area that have offered placements to our students in the past few years. This is a good starting point to consider. Ideally your child would contact the name on the list and ideally try to call in person and ask to speak to the name on the list. If they agree to the placement ask them to complete the ‘Work Experience Personal Placement’ form on the back of this sheet. ‘Futurework’ will contact the nominated person unless their vetting from a previous placement is still valid.
- If your child is still unsure about where to do their placement or need any help in organising it then they must arrange to come and see me to look at options. Please email for the attention of P. Kennedy to careers@durhamjohnston.org.uk
All placement forms are to be returned to me by no later than Friday 5th May 2023 (Wed 3rd May 2023 for students on the Battlefield trip). This is a fixed deadline from Futurework that cannot be changed.
Mr Kennedy
Subject Leader, Guidance
Music Notices
At the time of writing, we have enjoyed the first of our Stage and Screen concerts, and are looking forward to the second tonight. Wind Band, Junior Orchestra, Junior Choir, Big Band, as well as soloists and instrumental groups, took us on a journey from the West End to the silver screen with aplomb, transporting us to a variety of destinations – from Jurassic Park to Crunchem Hall Primary School, the glamourous world of 007 to a galaxy far, far away, and a healthy dose of the Muppets thrown in besides. Tonight, as well as hearing from Senior Orchestra, Senior Choir and Chamber Choir, we will say goodbye to our Year 13 musicians. They have contributed richly to the musical life of the school, and been excellent role (mostly of the time!) to our younger students. We will miss them, and wish them well in their future endeavours.
On a similar note, good luck to two Sarah Reid and Lili Banev in Year 13 who will be performing at Ushaw as part of Æftersang on Monday - all are welcome, please see more information, including on ticket sales, below.
The new vocal ensemble Æftersang is launching their debut concert: Notes from a Small Island. Inspired by the travels of Bill Bryson, this programme explores our North-Eastern landscape as a source of inspiration, heritage, and culture. With composers ranging from Joanna Ward to Benjamin Britten, Vaughan Williams to Macmillan, join us for an evening navigating the complex history and crossing of paths that define our landscape and society today.
From beginnings at Durham University, Æftersang are an exciting new vocal ensemble of young artists emerging from the North-East, of whom include two final year students from Durham Johnston School. This unique blend of new talent and young professionals from Durham and the North East will launch at their debut concert this Monday, in the beautiful setting of St Cuthbert’s Chapel, Ushaw Historic House & Gardens. Tickets are available for 3rd April, 7:30pm from the Ushaw Box Office: please click here.
Mr Holmes
Subject Leader for Music
PE News
On Monday our Year 9 team travelled to Wolsingham for a league and cup double game. We dominated possession eventually winning 8 - 2. This means we remain unbeaten in the league and reach the Bishops Cup final which takes place on Monday 17th April.
On Tuesday our Year 10s also made the journey to Wolsingham. This was a much tighter game. Despite leading the game twice, we conceded a late goal to lose 4 - 3.
Also, on Tuesday our Year 7, U14 and U16 girl rugby teams all competed in the County Sevens tournament held at Durham City RFC. Unfortunately, several schools withdrew at short notice. This meant the Year 7 and U16 competitions were a straight final against St John's. Our Year 7 team won to become County Champions. However, our U16s lost to finish runners-up. The U14 competition turn-out was much better. We started with a good victory against Lord Lawson. Despite leading in our second game against St John's we conceded three second half tries to lose a close game. We kept battling in difficult conditions and eventually finished in 4th place. Thank you to James, Dillon, Calvin and Thomas for giving up their time to referee.
Yesterday our Year 7 rugby team hosted St Leonard's in a friendly match. This was an excellent game played in a great spirit. Both schools played some excellent rugby and fittingly the game ended in a draw.
We scored an early goal, but they responded quickly. We then went 2 - 1 ahead only to be pegged back again. With the score at 2 - 2 the game went to penalties. Both teams scored their first three attempts - however a great save from Oscar Davis and a calm final penalty from George Shead meant we became champions and defended the title we won last year. Congratulations to the team on a deserved victory.
Mr Hopper
Subject Leader for PE