19 May 2023
Dear Parents & Carers,
A very brief update this week as we are in the first full week of exams and it is an extremely busy period in school. As shared last week, we have made a number of changes to ensure that Year 11 have the maximum opportunity to work with teachers in school until Friday 9th April. We have also ensured that Year 12 are in throughout the summer term to also maximise the amount of teaching possible. Students have now familiarised themselves with changes to the and we are encouraging all members of our school community to be supportive of those in years 11, 12 and 13 during this important period.
Have a good weekend.
Mr O’Sullivan
Year 6 to 7 Transition Notices
The Common Admissions Form has been sent via email to all families this week. Please complete and return at your earliest convenience!
Our Induction Day, which is a chance for students to spend a day with us to familiarise themselves with our school routines, experience some lessons and meet their form class, takes place on Friday 7th July - details to follow nearer the time. We are aware that students from Browney Academy will be unable to join us, so we are pleased to have been able to arrange an additional transition visit specifically for those students during the morning of Monday 10th July – again, details will follow nearer the time.
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
Careers and Guidance Department Notices
Please click here to view this week’s Careers Notices.
Mr Kennedy
Subject Leader, Guidance
Music Notices
Durham Music Service Young Musician 2023
Entries for this are now open for pupils who receive tuition from Durham Music Service. It is open to all musicians of approximately Grade 6 standard and above, who receive lessons from Durham Music Service. (Pupils do not need to have passed an external exam to take part). Every style of music can be celebrated so they welcome applications from as many young musicians as possible.
Chosen finalists will be asked to perform for no longer than 10 minutes in the beautiful venue of Durham Town Hall.
To enter our first round, musicians need to record a short video of their playing and send this to us by no later than Tuesday 23rd May 2023
Information about entry from DMS is as follows:
- Please edit your video title with your name and instrument
- A phone of tablet is suitable for recording purposes
- Try to and record your video submission in a quiet space and avoid any background noise
- 1st round performances do not need an accompaniment
- Please make sure that both you and the instrument are visible in the video
- All videos must be under 2 minutes long
- Audio only cannot be accepted
- Closing date for FIRST ROUND entries is Tuesday 23rd May. Full entry information and application form can be found here
Instrumental & Vocal Exams
If your child has a music exam off-site and they need to leave school to attend this, or arrive late following their exam, please would you write a note in their organiser so this can be formally authorised by their form tutor. If they need to leave the site, they can then obtain a permission slip from reception.
Also, if they would like some extra support on the aural (singing/ listening) parts of their assessment, please do ask them to book a lunchtime slot with me in the 3-4 weeks leading up to their exam.
Instrumental/ Vocal Tuition - Years 11 and 13
During study leave/ exam period and after exams year 11 and 13 pupils who receive tuition from Durham Music Service are still more than welcome to come into school for instrumental/ vocal lessons. They do not need be in school uniform if they are just on site for this sole purpose, and if they are unable to attend lessons, please would you encourage them to inform their teacher in order that this time can be reallocated.
Durham Johnston Music Festival
This will take place in James Hall on the evening of Thursday 29th June. 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.
- The Whinney Hill Cup (Grades 1-3), 18.00
- The Crossgate Moor Cup (Grades 4-5), 18.45
- The Durham Johnston Cup (Grades 6+), 19.30
Please follow this link for a copy of the Entry Form.
Music for a Summer Evening:
Thursday 6th July, Atrium Cafe, 19.00
An informal evening of music making for Y13 leavers and their parents and friends.
Tickets will be on sale after half term.
Please click here for more details on arrangements and how to obtain tickets.
Mr Holmes
Subject Leader for Music
Year 8 Rowing Success
At the King's Coronation Durham Regatta, 7th and 8th July, boats raced furiously on the River Wear. A DARC (Durham Amateur Rowing Club) quad consisting of Livvy T, Elizabeth B, Iris M and Georgia C (Durham Johnston Year 8 students) raced and won in a 700m race. On Monday, they raced again with the addition of Gem A. On Monday, Aidan L (Year 8), raced in a single in a good race, almost ending in a dead heat and again Livvy, Elizabeth, Iris and Georgia raced in another quad, winning their second race. Livvy and Elizabeth then raced in a double, having a brilliant race but falling short of a medal right at the end. It was a great day and well done to everyone.
Iris
Year 8
PE News
The first of three boys’ football Cup Finals this week took place on Monday as our Year 7 team took on St John's. This was a hard-fought, close game which ended 2-2 with goals from Henry Burns and Archie Woodall. We kept our nerve in a long and tense penalty shootout to claim the trophy and complete the league and cup double. Harry Stephenson was POM.
It was the turn of the Year 9s on Tuesday as they played Whitworth. We were 1-0 ahead at half-time and continued to dominate possession. However, we just couldn't find another goal. Whitworth then scored twice in 5 minutes to beat us 2-1. They have however finished the season as league champions.
Also on Tuesday, our Year 7 boys’ cricket team played Whitburn in the county cup. We struggled on a difficult pitch against a strong bowling attack as we only scored 62 runs in our 20 overs. Despite our best efforts, they reached our total with three overs to spare.
Finally on Tuesday, our U13 girls cricket team were at Sedgefield cricket club competing in the Chance to Shine competition. This was an excellent day of high-quality cricket played in an excellent spirit. Unfortunately, we didn't progress to the next round.
The third cup final of the week was yesterday as our Year 8 team played Woodham. We trailed 1-0 at half-time despite dominating possession. However, we scored early in the second half and went on to claim the trophy with a comfortable 3 - 1 win. Captain Archie Jones was POM.
Also yesterday, our U15 girls' tennis team played the first game of the season as we hosted Yarm. This was an excellent, close match which finished 3- 3. Therefore, we needed a tie-break shoot-out which we won 10-7 to claim a great victory.
Finally, this week we have started selling tickets for our 27th annual sports presentation evening which is being held at Ramside Hall Hotel on Wednesday 12th July. This is always an excellent evening where we celebrate the amazing sporting success of the students of Durham Johnston. Please remember to buy your tickets as soon as possible - £9 each.
Mr Hopper
Subject Leader for PE