24 April 2026
Dear Parents and Carers,
Stepping into the final term of the year always brings a mix of anticipation, excitement, and nervous energy, as courses are completed, revision ramps up, and students begin the final push towards the finishing line of GCSEs and A Levels. Meanwhile, we are also planning for the new year, looking forward to welcoming our new Year 7s through the transition process, as well as supporting our other students in stepping up to their next challenges. As we finish the first week back, it has been lovely to see students settling back to work, re-engaging with lessons and revision sessions, as well as enjoying the freshly painted four-square courts on the yard. Sunshine certainly makes lunch duty more popular!
Helping students to make the transition between key stages is an important priority this term, beginning with our Year 9 Parental Information Presentation on Monday, which will focus on the ways in which students can begin to prepare for their Key Stage 4 courses. I always think this is an exciting milestone, as students make choices about the subjects they’re studying for the first time and begin to take on more responsibility for their own learning. Naturally, for some students this can feel daunting as well, so we are always on hand to provide help and reassurance. Guiding students through this process is a time when close relationships between home and school become even more important, and we look forward to working even more with this cohort’s parents and carers over the coming months and years to support our young people.
Have a lovely weekend.
Mrs McFadden
SEND Clinics
We hold SEND online clinics every month for parents to meet with a member from 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 8th May between 8.30- 11 am. 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.
Piece of Mind Team (CAMHS Mental Health Support team)
Following recent government reviews into children’s mental health and mental health services, the importance of a collaborative approach to identifying and addressing early signs of mental health difficulties has been clearly recognised. In response, schools and colleges are being placed at the heart of early intervention, through the development of whole‑school approaches to mental health, with the aim of preventing difficulties from escalating.
We were delighted to welcome the Piece of Mind Team into school this week. Over the coming term, the team will begin working with our students to support mild to moderate mental health needs, while promoting positive mental health and wellbeing in close partnership with the school.
This work goes beyond one‑to‑one support and includes the development of self‑help resources, alongside access to reliable, up‑to‑date information for students and families about mental health and wellbeing.
As part of this new partnership, the Piece of Mind Team delivered an assembly to our Year 11 students, sharing a range of practical strategies to support wellbeing during the exam period.
We look forward to developing this provision further and will share more information about the team over the coming term.
Miss Davies
Assistant Headteacher - Inclusion
House System News
Non-Uniform Day
On Thursday 30th April we will hold a "non-uniform day". The non-uniform day will support various charities which will be chosen by students (this was part of student voice) 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! Students should bring their school bag, stationery and books as normal. Please remind them to take their bus-pass out of their blazer too.
Participation 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 Wednesday 29th April to Friday 1st May.
Thank you in advance for your support and for helping us to donate to local charities and those in need.
I'm a Johnstonian get me out of here!
On the last day of term our students and staff took part in everyone's favourite game show - I'm a Johnstonian get me out of here!
The contestants were first class - taking part in challenges such as "Buried at First Sight", "Star Wars", "School Dinners" and "Evil Mastermind". We slimed, they ate (I've got to say - far braver than I, as WOW, those things looked awful!), they were buried with some critters, they rummaged around in the gunkiest of gunk and smiled their way through it all! Well, I think those in the "coffins" did - the lid was closed so we couldn't see!
Thank you to everyone who came along to support - we hosted 700 students across both lunchtimes. The atmosphere was amazing, and it was great to see them all interacting and genuinely having fun! We have raised almost £700 for our school and local community - such worthwhile causes.
Big thanks have got to go to the teachers who put themselves forward for this - the students loved it; the house team loved it - you are first class!
The sixth form team as always were superb, as were the audience - thank you!
Miss Forbes
Senior Teacher – the House System
PE News
I would like to start with some amazing news from over the Easter holidays. Year 11 student Ben B was competing in the British Championships at the Olympic pool in London. This is the highest level of competition in the country (not a school event).
Ben reached the Junior National final of the 200M butterfly - which is an U19 event. He was the only 16-year-old to reach the final.
In the final he produced a personal best to win the race and become British Junior Champion. At 16 this is an outstanding achievement and adds to his national record he already holds. Congratulations to Ben.
It has been great to start our summer program in such glorious weather and as always attendance at clubs and trials has been outstanding. We had nearly 100 children at athletics club on Wednesday.
The football season is also reaching its climax and on Monday our Year 10 boys’ football team faced Hurworth in the semi-final of the Londonderry County Cup. We produced an excellent performance to win 3-1 with goals from Finn R, Malachi D and Harry S. This team has now made history as the first Durham Johnston team to reach this final.
Another first on Tuesday as our U18 boys’ cricket team entered the English Schools Competition for the first time. We were drawn away at Dame Allan's in what could have been a tricky first round match. However, we produced an outstanding batting performance to score 223 runs in our 20 overs. Tom B was top scorer on 73. We bowled and fielded well to restrict them to 105 in their innings and so progress to the next round where we face Yarm School next week.
On Thursday our Year 8 boys’ cricket team also played Dame Allan’s in a friendly. They batted first and scored an impressive 126 runs. However, we batted very well to reach their total with 5 overs to spare and win by 5 wickets. Will C was top scorer and POM.
Also yesterday, our Year 9 boys’ football team hosted Whitworth in the Bishops Cup semi-final. We dominated the game leading 6-0 at half time. We went on to reach the final with a comfortable 9-0 win. Levi G was POM. Good luck tonight to our Year 7 boys’ football team who host Emmanuel College in the Tyneside Cup.
Finally, a reminder to those going on our Malaga Sports trips this summer that the parents meeting is taking place on Wednesday (29th) starting at 6.00pm in James Hall.
Mr Hopper
Subject Leader for PE
A reminder of our weekly sports bulletin:
Reminder:
Focus on Health: Keeping Medical Information Up to Date
To ensure we can support your child effectively in school, please make sure all medical information is accurate and up to date.
If there have been any changes to your child’s medical needs, please email: djcsmedical@durhamjohnston.org.uk
If you would like to discuss any medical or dietary requirements, medical plans, or consent for medication, please contact Mr Urwin, First Aid/Medical Coordinator, via the same email address.
Students with Asthma
- Students should always carry their own inhaler, clearly labelled with their name and form.
- Inhalers must be taken to PE lessons outside and on all school trips.
Emergency Inhalers in School
School holds an emergency salbutamol (Ventolin) inhaler for use if a student cannot access their own.
Although this may not be your child’s usual inhaler, medical guidance states that using it in an emergency is better than giving no treatment.
We require parental consent to administer the emergency inhaler.
Students with Anaphylaxis
- Students diagnosed with anaphylaxis should carry an emergency pack containing:
- Antihistamines
- One in‑date AAIs (Adrenaline Auto‑Injectors)
- Packs must be clearly labelled with the student’s name and form.
- Students must take their emergency pack on school trips and for outdoor activities, including PE, depending on the allergen.
Emergency AAIs in School
Recent legislation allows schools to hold emergency adrenaline, this has been held in school for a number of years. This may be used if a student goes into anaphylactic shock and is unable to access their own medication.
This emergency medication will only be administered to students who already have a prescribed AAI, and parental consent is required.
Medical Care Plans
If your child has a diagnosed condition requiring a medical care plan (e.g., epilepsy, diabetes, asthma, anaphylaxis), please ensure the most up‑to‑date plan is sent to school.
Individual Health Care Plans
If your child has a medical condition that impacts daily life in school, please contact Mr Urwin to discuss whether an Individual Health Care Plan is appropriate.
