School & Sixth Form College A Catholic Academy

ISSUE SEVEN • AUTUMN TERM 2013 • www.stjohnsrc.org.uk NEWS

IN THIS ISSUE • Children in Need young designers • Focus On: History • European Day Of Languages showcase creativity • Faith 13

A Learning Community Guided by Gospel Values A Learning Community Guided by Gospel Values 01 A Warm Welcome to Year 7 Mrs Barnham and I have been heavily involved with animation and basketball and swimming clubs. Miss WELCOME immensely impressed in the way X-Box Clubs. In the Music department Smith has been impressed with the Year 7s have taken the opportunity to standard of dancers, gymnasts and year 7 have settled into life at St participate in the orchestra, Pop Choir, trampolinists. Table tennis and running By the time you read this newsletter we would imagine that John’s. Forte and Only Boys Aloud groups. We clubs have been well attended, and we many of you will be busy preparing for the great celebration Their transition into secondary school have had representatives involved with have large and talented squads for both life has been greatly aided by the MADD productions, and this has proven football and rugby. of Christmas and counting down the days when you can enjoy number of extra-curricular activities that to be so popular that Miss Kirkwood Well done to all year 7 students for the company of friends and family. the students have become involved with and Miss Mitchell have also started a making such a positive contribution to St in and around school. Year 7 students junior drama club. In the PE department John’s. Keep up the good work! proudly represent a wide range of clubs it is fantastic to see so many students including, French and Creative Writing, involved with a wide range of activities. Mr D Smith History and Science Club and Explorer Many students from year 7 have and Film Clubs. Many students are also attended netball, kayaking, Wildcat’s At this special time of year students and staff spiritual, cultural and social understanding at St John’s are working hard to support those through reflective retreat experiences, Drama who find themselves in difficult circumstances. trips to the West End and thought-provoking Charitable activities for “Children in Need” and residentials to Poland. Such a variety of events the Philippines Disaster have taken place over have encouraged our students to develop their Children in Need recent weeks and we have been overwhelmed own unique talents and our newsletter provides Staff and by your generosity and willingness to help, an insight into the amazing experiences Event - 10N securing funds in excess of £3,000 for such enjoyed by our students, enabling them to On 15 November, form 10N Students go worthy causes. Our young people never shine both within St John’s and within the wider raised £612.60 for Children Bear-Faced cease to amaze us with their enthusiasm and community. in Need. commitment, and it is always wonderful to From Modern Foreign Languages to Design for Pudsey! see them dedicating so much time and effort The group had watched some of the Technology and everything in between, in helping those who are less fortunate than campaign videos and researched the During enrichment time on we have provided opportunities to suit Gerard Moran themselves. different charities funded by Children in Friday 15th November the female Headteacher everyone’s interests, needs and abilities. Yet Need and were really motivated to do members of 10H (including Miss This has been a busy and exciting term at as “A Learning Community Guided by Gospel something to help. Students in the class Kirkwood!) went ‘bear-faced’ by St John’s with a wealth of extra-curricular Values” we strive to develop the whole person, came up with the idea of a sponsored removing their make-up to raise events, sporting tournaments, liturgical providing experiences that can be truly life- silence as they are a really boisterous money for Children in Need. experiences, musical extravaganzas and changing. and chatty group and knew that they Those of you that are familiar Catholic Partnership activities. An important In this season of Advent there is no doubt would find it a real challenge. Their with the members of 10N will event for our school occurred at the start of that the acts of giving and receiving are at the reputation for being loud also inspired understand what a challenge this December when Bishop Seamus Cunningham very heart of Christmas. Looking through the many sponsors from teachers who were was for many of the girls, there visited St John’s to bless our chapel and newsletter you will see that it is full of superb keen to keep them quiet for the day! The were even a few tears at one our new Stations of the Cross. We were very stories of how our young people have made the original target was £150 and students stage! Congratulations to all of proud that Bishop Seamus was able to give us most of their own special gifts, enabling them were overwhelmed by how generous the girls that took part, they have his valuable time to celebrate the event with to live life to the full. The joy and fulfilment that people were in sponsoring them, raised over £50 so far! students, parents and staff from our learning our young people generate, when they commit surpassing their target by £462.60. On community. Local ceramics artist, Christine themselves to the many activities outlined in the day students were silent from 9:10 Constant, worked with some of our Year 12 this newsletter, enrich our whole community. until 3:00pm including all lessons and students to create free standing candle holders break times. They carried notepads so During this Advent, as we prepare for and sconces which were developed from the they could participate in lessons and Lisa Byron Christmas, let us all remember that the students’ own designs. The sconces now communicate with friends. "Although I found it a Head of School illuminate the Stations of the Cross which greatest gift the world has ever received was adorn our chapel. the birth of a baby who came so that we all "I am incredibly proud of how hard all of challenge, the activity may have life and, through Him, we have the the students have worked to raise such During the term students have taken full opportunity to live our lives to the full. an amazing amount of money for such really made me realise advantage of the wonderful opportunities a worthy cause. It was a great challenge available to them from visits to universities, for them, but they were determined to how something so simple museums and exhibitions to developing their succeed after watching the touching could make such a big campaign videos on the Pudsey website. The success of the event has motivated difference." the students to think of other ways they Hannah Dunning (Year 10) We wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas. can work together to raise money and make positive contributions to their community." Miss Murphy (Form Tutor)

02 www.stjohnsrc.org.uk A Learning Community Guided by Gospel Values 03 In the last week of the summer term, Apollo Victoria Theatre for a matinee ST JOHN’S NEWS Miss Kirkwood, along with Mr Haslett, performance of 'Wicked'. The show was Miss Carr, Miss Moran and Mr Morley breath-taking and had us singing all the Year 5s took a group of 43 students down to way back to the hotel. London for a Performing Arts trip. We School Rallies Blossom A ‘Wicked’ Trip Our third and final day began with a made our way down to London by luxury visit to The Central School of Speech to Support the During Autumn to London! coach and our first stop was a workshop and Drama, where many famous actors with members of the 'Wicked' cast. This have studied. Here we met with two Typhoon Tragedy was an amazing experience and gave us actors who have worked in the likes of Challenge Day a real glimpse into working as a West Eastenders and Coronation Street, and Relief Efforts End performer. Following our workshop, On Tuesday, 8th October a group demonstrated how to be Soap actors. of over 160 Year 5 students from we went for a meal together and onto After witnessing the extensive media coverage of Typhoon Haiyan which hit the Again, this was an invaluable experience our Catholic primary partnership the theatre to see our first show - The Philippines recently, we have just completed a ‘Disaster Response Week’ at school that taught us a range of acting skills. schools across the Bishop Auckland Woman in Black. It was terrifying, and to support the call for international aid by the Disaster Emergency Committee. For After some free time to explore Covent area participated in an Autumn- many of us left haunted by what we one week, the whole school has focused upon raising awareness and fundraising Garden and do a bit of shopping, it was themed Challenge Day hosted by St had seen, but it was a fantastic piece of for those in need, wearing white ribbons and leading a wide range of events and sadly time to go home. Words cannot John’s. The day was shared between theatre. activities such as Guess the Teacher competitions, cake bakes and penalty shoot- describe what an amazing time we all numeracy and literacy activities. outs. One pastoral class in particular, 8Y (pictured) managed to raise a staggering The next day began with a trip to Queen’s had on the trip and it was great to make The numeracy section included an £550 from their sponsored spellathon and cake sale. It is hoped that the efforts Theatre, the home of the world’s longest so many new friends too. Miss Kirkwood interactive team quiz and the literacy running musical ‘Les Miserables’. We will support those in the Philippines who are most in need of emergency supplies, is running the trip again in July 2014 and section concentrated on the use of had a tour of the theatre, explored the and with funds still coming in from students, the final total is expected to be in there are still some places available, so poetic devices to create an Autumn stage and wings, and got the chance excess of £2500. Miss Jo Hopper, St John’s Citizenship Coordinator said, “We are if you like the sound of what we got up to, scene. Both activities culminated to try out some props and costumes; overwhelmed by the tremendous efforts of our students across all year groups who make sure you sign up soon! with the creation of a large display another amazing glimpse into the world have really shown compassion and generosity by contributing so willingly to such a - a Geome-Tree and a Poe-Tree. of theatre! We then made our way to the Sarah Harker, Year 11 worthy cause.” Students created polygon leaves and researched their names using iPads, and then created Autumn Horticulture Students Have St John’s Blooming Sports Awards 2013 themed poems which were written on leaves and decorated. Hopefully the The year 9 horticulture students have students’ love of Maths and English planted over 500 bulbs on the front has blossomed as a result! After lawn area of school this term to create such an enjoyable day the staff of St a spring show of colour. Well done to John’s School look forward to seeing Thomas Tavernor, Barney Jardine, Trent and working with them all again in Johnson and James Howe. the very near future. Meanwhile, Shaun Baird, John Parangie, Liam Smart and Brendan Hodgson from year 10 have been working closely with Festival of St Anne’s school to brighten up their On Wednesday 25th September we held represented England Rugby during his grounds by replanting their raised beds our annual Sports Awards Evening. time in Year 11 at St John's. It was an Harvest for the winter months. During the first half of the evening amazing achievement, particularly as On Wednesday 9th October students, students are awarded with half or full Michael was the only student in the Lee Proud and Calum Johnson from colours for showing commitment, squad who was not in receipt of a private parents and staff gathered together to year 11 have also been extremely busy, celebrate their Year 7 Welcome Mass. dedication and high performance levels education. Michael kindly presented having moved a huge amount of topsoil in their sporting activities. Last year St the school with his England Shirt on the During the Mass students were officially to reseed the school rugby pitches. welcomed into the school community, John's had one of its most successful evening, and spoke of his thanks to St and the Mass also celebrated the festival years, collecting 43 trophies over John's and for the PE Department in of Harvest. This is a time when people St John's Does the course of the academic year and particular. thank God for what they have, and share averaging more than one per week! Still on a high after the school awards, much of her time to the PE Department what they have with those less fortunate. Olivia Tinkler and Hannah MasterChef! After the interval, Paralympic Gold the PE Department then attended the and the local community. Michael During the weeks leading up to the Poulton, year 10 GCSE Medalist 2012, World Record Holder Durham Dales Sports Awards event Walton was also nominated for Young Mass some students from Mrs Palmer’s Catering students, took part and Young Sports Personality of the on Friday 27th September, where they Sports Performer of the year. class, including Ben Chambers, Amelia in a MasterChef competition Year Josef Craig MBE, spoke of his had been nominated for contributions Eland, Emma Jordan, James Lowther, sporting journey. It was a truly amazing, to secondary school sport and PE. Miss The PE department and the students James Million, Paige Ross, Alexander at English Martyrs School, inspirational and honest speech in which Somers said "having won 43 trophies would like to thank the School and Sams, Lucy Slater and Leah Thompson Hartlepool this term. strong messages were shared, and it this year, representing the Durham Governors for their continued support launched an appeal in their year group Although the St John's pair did not win the was the first time we had seen a guest Dales area in 6 of the 7 categories at for PE and sport. With the new changing for students to donate non-perishable competition, the judges described their speaker receive a standing ovation from the school games and having 26 County rooms and later in the year the new food for the local food bank. Jean Clarke dishes of lamb and rosemary pie with the audience. The evening ended with and 1 National performer we felt that 4G pitch there are some exciting times from Woodhouse Church collected the parmesan parsnips and chantenay carrots, the individual awards. The highlights we had a strong chance", and they were ahead for the school, and the PE food, and was especially grateful for the served with autumn tart and clementine included Ashlyn Bland who received not disappointed, beating both Bishop department in particular, and we are students’ generosity. The food will be mascarpone as 'a revelation, and the the Vitrix Ledorum Senior, and Sports Barrington and Parkside Schools to looking forward to being able to offer an distributed to those who need it the most highlight of the competition'. Woman of the year as well as an Eagle take the award! It was also wonderful to even broader range of opportunities for in Bishop Auckland and the surrounding our students. Well done girls! Award nomination. The Eagle Award see Rachel Brown nominated for Young areas. was presented to Michael Walton who Leader of the Year after volunteering so 04 www.stjohnsrc.org.uk A Learning Community Guided by Gospel Values 05 ST JOHN’S NEWS MFL News Return to The MFL department, ably Thursday 26th September saw St. John's transformed into a sea assisted by Mr Bouvier have Zaragoza European day of colour, culture and languages from Europe and beyond. 'The secured a £10,000 grant to share European Day Of Languages' is always a big event in the MFL with our new French link school After an incredibly successful exchange calendar, and this year proved to be the biggest and best to date. 110 in a small town near Geneva. visit by our link school in Zaragoza, of Languages students descended on St John's from twelve Catholic Partnership Year 8 and 9 linguists will work Spain we are please to announce that schools across the region. After hot chocolate and croissants on joint projects with their French 16 students from Years 7, 8 and 9 will they took part in five exciting sessions including Spanish pop counterparts via Skype on a visit their new Spanish friends just prior music, French fairy tales, Italian ice cream making and marketing, range of topics, culminating in to Easter 2014. The students involved Japanese language and culture and Hindi and Bollywood dancing. an exchange between the two will spend 5 days living the life of a At lunch time students feasted on some of Europe's most famous schools. We are delighted to have Spanish teenager! They will also receive culinary delights. The day allowed students not only to experience won the award and all credit must an incredible boost to their Spanish how studying a language has far more to offer than simply lessons in go to Mr Bouvier for his drive and language knowledge, make new friends a classroom, but also to make new friends from across our region. determination to get the bid over and will hopefully have the experience of As a school and MFL department we were delighted by the success the line. It will give us the financial a life time. of the day, and to have the opportunity to showcase our fabulous support to take French at St. department and considerable talents. John’s to a new and exciting level. Read about how the project is progressing in future issues of ¡Hola! Sunny Madrid St John’s News. Local Heroes Unveiled!

Women in Need On 18 September St John’s For more details about Local Heroes plaque, created Leah and the WIN charity go to www.women-in-need.co.uk with ceramics artist Christine Constant, was finally unveiled. ¡Hola! Last June a group of really friendly. Some of the rooms had Cercedilla, a small village surrounded by Watched by Governors, staff and fifty Year 8, Year 9 and Year 10 views to the famous Reina Sofía square, mountains in the outskirts of the capital, Leah Pattison from the women's charity aim is to empower women to be more 11 of the young artists, Governor named after the Modern Art Museum where we could relax in the swimming WIN (Women in Need) came into school self sufficient. Leah spoke of her life in Mary Wood, after explaining the students had the chance to spend situated in front of us. pools and admire the beautiful natural to speak to students from Years 7 - India and the work she has done. She background to the project , drew four days in the fantastic city of During the days that followed we had sierra. 13 about her work since completing also highlighted for the students some back the curtains assisted by Adam Madrid. a very busy agenda, and we spent our On the last morning we tried some her Fine Arts Degree 22 years ago. of the 'before and after' stories that have Lavery to reveal the story of Dennis This was an excellent opportunity to time visiting the fantastic attractions churros con chocolate for breakfast and Leah set off on a gap year, but was really made her work so rewarding. Glass who, in 1963, rescued a girl learn more about Spanish culture but and getting tanned (and burnt!) while headed to Plaza del Sol to spend the last so touched by the plight of women in She also explained that she herself had from drowning in the River Wear. most importantly, to put into practice all walking around the city centre. We of our Euros on souvenirs. After a quick India suffering from leprosy that she suffered from leprosy whilst working out Happily Mr Glass survived and was the communication skills acquired in the learnt about classic Spanish painters visit to La Almudena Cathedral and the changed her direction in life and stayed there, but with early identification and able to retrieve his false teeth which classroom during the year. in El Museo del prado, listened to an Royal Palace, we emptied the gift shops to help them. In national newspaper swift medical help the disease that can he had left on the river bank! interesting talk about bullfighting in Las and packed our bags with all sorts articles she has been described as the be so debilitating is curable. Students Right after we landed, Madrid welcomed Ventas bullring and felt like Ronaldo in of strange-looking presents for our 'Angel of Nagpur' for the work she has have been offered the opportunity to go us with the mercury hitting 35ºC. ¡Qué Bernabeu stadium, which was probably families and friends. It was now time done to help women who are suffering. out to Nagpur and visit Leah, and there calor! However, this did not stop us the most hotly anticipated stop on our to rush to the airport and come home. Leah and her colleague have worked is an option for 6th Form students to go from going for a nice evening stroll to tour. The Real Madrid stars were not We will never forget our amazing trip! tirelessly over the years to create a safe over to do humanitarian work during Parque del Retiro where we enjoyed there but with the help of Photoshop we ¡Hasta pronto Madrid! and accommodating environment to get holiday periods or perhaps as a gap some cold drinks and ice cream by the were still able to have photos taken with women and children off the streets of year. For more details about Leah and famous Lovers Pond. The hotel was in Mr. Nunez our favourite players. On the third day Nagpur, and into more purposeful roles the WIN charity go to www.women-in- an excellent location and the staff were we needed a break and we escaped to through training and education. Their need.co.uk 06 www.stjohnsrc.org.uk A Learning Community Guided by Gospel Values 07 Sixth Form College A Catholic Academy Dinner Dance Event in it’s 15th Year! SIXTH FORM Widely considered the showbiz event of the St John’s calendar LIVE LOUNGE each year, the Sixth Form Dinner Another year has gone by, providing us Dance is fast approaching. once again with an amazing Live Lounge Students are busy planning their outfits as the event draws near, and with over 200 event here at St John’s. tickets sold last year we expect demand to be Thanks to Mr Stephenson and co say “WOW”. Seriously, these guys his profession. Ryan really is an high once again. It is certainly an event to be the sixth formers have been able to are awesome! Led by Laurie on the outstanding, talented young man and is envied by the lower school, with plenty of glitz and glamour along with dancing under the witness some of their closest friends trumpet, they gave the crowd an seriously going to go far. chandeliers! show off their musical talent. Opening opportunity to appreciate really good Hopefully next year’s event will be even the show was Tom Flood, an amazing music! They started by covering Here’s hoping that on it’s 15th better, featuring the same class acts anniversary the 2013 Sixth form singer/song writer. Next up were Jonny ‘Feeling Good’ by Nina Simone in a truly and perhaps even a few more! Thank Dinner Dance is the best one yet. Rhythm, a really funky soul band led expert fashion, and if I heard that on the you to Mr. Stephenson and everyone Hope to see you there. Have a by Laurie on the trumpet. Last up was radio I would definitely think it was pro! else that helped out! See you next year! DJ Ryan Robertson, getting everyone The third song was ‘Do I Wanna Know?’ FABULOUS time! Luke Nutt dancing to his dubstep and house by Arctic Monkeys. This is one Bethany Headly remixes. that I knew was going to sound 12th dec Pic: Head boy Laurie Kalus good, but with Holly on the piano So, about Tom Flood. By mastering 2013 and Bethany Headley the guitar and piano, Tom was able and James on the drums, they to sing some of his very own songs really gave it a funky and rhythmic for us; Fireproof, Sunset Valley and vibe. Their grand finale was Louis Crossroads. Tom is not a generic Armstrong’s ‘St. James Infirmary song writer that produces lyrics Blues’ and they really did show that you’d expect, he is a songwriter off with this one, making sure that Sixth Form students have been given the opportunity extraordinaire and has already made they left the crowd with a truly ENRICHMENT his own CD! Tom was able to make the memorable performance. to take part in a variety of enrichment activities during crowd experience a range of emotions; To round off the Live Lounge the ACTIVITIES their pastoral sessions. happiness, affection and awe to name party king, DJ Ryan Robertson but a few! The first time I ever saw Tom got everyone up dancing. Ryan Extended Project Sandringham Care Home perform was in a school assembly, took up ‘DJing’ as a hobby, hosting The extended project is a single piece Every Wednesday during enrichment, and he was seriously good, but the gigs at the rugby club with some of work, requiring a high degree 6 students go to Sandringham Care adrenaline rush that boosted Tom really great turn outs! He didn’t of planning and preparation which Home to help serve lunch and socialise during the Live Lounge really ‘upped’ have a particular artist that gave earns the student an additional AS with the elderly. This excellent his performance and that’s what him inspiration, but was eager to qualification. The aim is to produce experience will support the 30 students makes be believe that one day we will see what he could do by remixing an academic essay of 5,000 words on interested from year 12 in their UCAS be hearing something produced by the music produced by other artists. a topic of their choice. The extended applications and CVs. man himself. Well done Tom! Ryan takes his hobby very project is highly valued by the top Sophie Peat “Helping and interacting Next we had Jonny Rhythm, and seriously, and if the opportunity universities. arises he’d love to turn it into with people who have so much life before I go any further I just want to Paired Reading experience is really rewarding, it makes In paired readings, students of the sixth me very grateful for the family and form are assigned to a group of year friends I have” Archaeology eights with a particular reading age. Year 13 History students took up the challenge to Collectively, they will read the same in Frosterley ‘dig up’ one of Mrs Maddison’s fields. They worked book which enables anyone who has September 2013 with archaeologists from Durham University and struggled to develop with the option of volunteers to see if they could find any Medieval one to one reading with their assigned remains of St Botolph’s Church. This they did! They sixth form student. were given an area in which to dig a trench, which Emma Dodds “Taking part in paired was to be used at few days later by Frosterley reading has helped me appreciate the Primary School. A font, Medieval Cross and little things in life” remains of the walls of the chapel were found. FOCUS ON: HISTORY Year 7 ‘Cracking History Cholera’ at forthcoming Newcastle events

University 22-25th November 2013 A group of Year 7 History Students visited Devon Houlahan and James Pirie Newcastle University Library and School will travel to Poland to represent of Bio-Medical Science. Their task was to the School on the ‘Lessons from view a variety of sources on Cholera in the Auschwitz’ project. The project local area, as well look at the germ under is organised by the ‘Holocaust the microscope. Dr Linsey Ferriby had Educational Trust. visited the History Department a few weeks 5th December 2013 beforehand to set the students various Medieval Mayhem challenges. Students and staff enjoyed their day but the question is, do we have 27th January 2014 any budding scientists? Holocaust Memorial Day at Durham Cathedral

Year 12 Visit 1066 and Visit to the the Capital - All That Hancock Museum Anyone for July 2013 History On December 5 students in Year 7 will On Monday 15th July 14 History was very impressed by the knowledge of the A group of Year 12 History Students experienced have the opportunity to watch a fun, students and their willingness to take part in a ‘whirlwind tour’ of London in July during Whole Club? comedy based play about Medieval Club members from Years 7- 9 the workshop. Cameron Ramage, 10N, said visited the Great North Museum Life Learning Week. The tour began at ‘The History Club is running on a Britain, produced and performed “extracting the brains from the mummy was Ritz’ and concluded at Covent Garden eating in in school by Say Two Productions. my favourite part!” Tuesday afternoon this year from in Newcastle. Brown’s restaurant with the rich and famous, Commencing with the death of King After the workshop we were allowed to visit 3-4pm. It is open to Years 7-11 Harold at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, The students took part in a workshop including Nigel Havers. It was an exciting day and already has members from organised by the museum about the all of the displays in the museums including which included the famous walking tour which the play will guide students through the the Egyptian mummy. Jack Race said “My each year group. Students choose changes introduced by the victorious Egyptians. During the hour long session takes in Buckingham Palace, the Changing students investigated how and why the favourite display was the prehistoric display the topics that are covered at the William the Conqueror in a fun and with dinosaur bones and fossils.” History of the Guard, Horse Guards Parade, Downing Club, and often focus on their own engaging way. The performance will then Egyptians mummified bodies. Club are very grateful to the Hancock Street, Palace of Westminster and Big Ben. The interests. We have started the be followed by an interactive workshop Our tour guide showed a model mummy and Museum for accommodating us! weather was so hot the group travelled along the where students will get the opportunity to students were able to use instruments to year by looking at gladiators, using river viewing the Globe, OXO building, the Shard, iPads to create presentations hot seat key historical figures, dress up extract brains and intestines! Our tour guide London Bridge and the Tower of London. in costumes, use props and stage their about who the gladiators were. own mini performance. The experience Last year we looked in depth will build naturally upon the work done at The American Civil War, in lessons, and will enhance students’ Year 7 History students worked with an The Legend of Robin Hood and understanding of Is there archaeologist from Newcastle University analysed the factual accuracy topics such as the for 2 days in the school grounds in July of the film “Zulu”. History Club Feudal System, an Indiana 2013. They found lots of pieces of glass, members have the opportunity the Norman pottery and pieces of smelly clay pipe, but Conquest and Jones in to go on visits with the school the signing of the unfortunately not the Holy Grail! Once the and use artefact boxes borrowed Magna Carta, and school? finds had been labelled they were washed from the Discovery Museum in hopefully will also and put on display, and students gave Newcastle. Following last year’s be a lot of fun too! presentations at the end of the 2 days. successful artefact sessions about slavery and World War Two, students will have the opportunity to investigate artefacts from the Stuart era and World War One.

10 www.stjohnsrc.org.uk A Learning Community Guided by Gospel Values 11 ST JOHN’S NEWS Read for RNIB Once again students have supported The Pearl Read for RNIB to help raise awareness of the difficulties faced by people who are blind or partially-sighted and to of Africa raise funds for large-print books and reading services. Did you know that only Comes to 7% of the books available to sighted people are accessible to the blind? We Bishop welcomed Ken and Maureen with guide dogs Noah (retired!) and Freya, as Auckland well as blind England footballer Owen Bainbridge, both he and Maureen clear On Tuesday 1 October St John’s School conditions in their schools. During the performance in a programme packed proof that lack of sight need not be a welcomed The Pearl of Africa Children’s day they entertained over 400 students full of fun, fine vocals, drumming and barrier to leading a full and exciting life! Choir, an exciting touring choir of 18 in 2 short concerts and ran workshops in dance. A truly joyful and inspirational Our visitors patiently answered a huge energetic young people aged 10 to 18 singing, dancing, drumming and cultural day for us all! Together with the Primary number of questions in sessions with from Uganda who are here to raise exchange for our Year 7 students and Schools we are proud to have raised the students from Years 7 and 8 and Owen awareness and much needed funds children from three of our Primary magnificent sum of £1046.14! also ran an energetic practical session to sustain and improve the standard Schools, St Wilfrid’s, St Chad’s and St with a 6th Form PE group. A tombola of education, healthcare and living Anne’s. In the evening they gave a public organised by Miss Hopper raised just over £80 and money is coming in from Year 7’s sponsored Readathon arranged by Miss Heads. The Spooky Poem Tomorrow's competition WINNERS Faith 13 Miss Sanchez, a student teacher in MFL organised a poetry Technology Solving competition with a spooky theme earlier this term. Winners were On Monday 9th September Today's Problems! every school in the Diocese was chosen from years 7 and 8, with some really great entries to represented at an event called ‘Faith choose from. 13’ which was held at The Sage in Gateshead. The focus of the day was Faith, and what it means to our young people. Bishop Seamus spoke to the students about his Bowes Students' Art Faith. Josef Craig a Paralympic Work Exhibited swimmer and Stef Reid a Paralympic Museum sprinter shared their faith story too. A group of 31 Year 9 Textiles and No fewer than 66 Year 9 Art and As part of the event 27 of our Year 8 Photography students recently took part On Thursday 7th November, 7 Year 8 History students spent a day at students were given the opportunity in a Community Art Exhibition. to participate in one of the dance students travelled to the Xcel Centre Bowes Museum just before half- They organised and delivered workshops performances. They did incredibly in Newton Aycliffe to attend the launch term enjoying a First World War for children from Blessed John Duckett, well performing in front of so of the Future Business Magnates project. St Joseph’s, Newton Aycliffe and St many people. Deborah Fox, Deputy competition for 2013. St John 's will YEAR 7 winners: YEAR 8 winners: be represented this year by: Matthew Under the guidance of the Museum’s Charles’, Tudhoe producing sets of Director of the Diocese said Ellie-Mai Agnew (7O), Millie Cairns Hannah Merrington (8J), Mario Leaver, Peter Danks, James Cooper, Education Assistant, Alison Smith, and stunning photographs resulting from (7O), Elise Wringe (7R). Terminiello (8J) & Lucy Barnham (8A) “The children were excellent. Their Eleanor Melville, Ellie Jane West, Chloe professional artists Lone Helliwell, Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard Allen & Sophie Hogarth. Karina Rodney and Tom Burton, they of Oz photo shoots as well as some dance was wonderful and their displayed great focus and creativity Who Am I? By Elise Wringe highly imaginative pieces of book art behaviour was exemplary" The competition is in its 9th year, and in the textiles and creative writing and book sculpture. Everyone enjoyed St John's will compete against 24 other As you lay asleep at night, I am covered in green gooey slime, workshops, inspired by real soldiers face-painting, dressing up, creating schools from the Durham area over the I give you such a terrible fright. And I have such a wonderful time. whose names appear on the War props and making a mess in pursuit of course of the next few months. Students Memorial in the Museum grounds. I am the haunted spook, Scaring all of you children in bed, artistic excellence! All the work has will take part in a range of business There was a little time too for a wander Which you all read about in story But really all I want is a friend, instead. been on public display in Tow Law in the challenges, and work alongside our books. Community Centre, St Thomas’ Church business mentor, EIPL, to compete round the Museum and of course the But who would want a friend like me? shop! in Stanley Crook and Wolsingham for points and develop a wide range of Some say I live in your garden shed, For I am the bogey monster, and I'm School. Students were able to attend business skills. But truthfully I live just under your scary you see! the official opening ceremonies in Tow bed! This year's theme is "tomorrow's Law and Stanley Crook and a group of technology solving today's singers from St John’s were invited to problems". The progress of our perform at the Tow Law event. team can be followed at www. 12 www.stjohnsrc.org.uk A Learning Community Guided by Gospel Values futurebusinessmagnates.co.uk 13 ST JOHN’S NEWS Year 7 Star Readers – 801 Books Read Upcoming Musical = 14,625,726 Words Read! Performances: Unsigned Live! Our current Year 7 students are to be Holly Frankland 40 minutes reading per Butterwick Hospice Unsigned Live with Charlie and performances, as well as acts from from across the UK and further afield. congratulated on their fantastic efforts day and Chiedza Ndiyamba 106 minutes Thursday 5th December further afield like up and coming folk Ireland’s music man Steve Farlow has in reading so far this academic year. reading per day. Mark is aired on 105.9 Bishop FM A small vocal ensemble will pop artist Natasha North and YouTube even been featured on the show, and At the time of writing, they have read every Wednesday from 7pm, and Neve Mason has read 13 books already; perform a program of Christmas musician Tom Milsom. Cypriot duo Shaun and Patrick have also and passed quizzes on a staggering 801 Alex Sams 9 books; Leah Thompson features live and unsigned music books since September. This equates to Carols and festive tunes at the Two year eleven students, Charlie been over to talk to the lads. Tune in to 9 books; Lucy Slater 14 books and a huge 14,625,726 words read! Hospice Christmas Service. from across the UK. Frankcom and Mark Hyatt produce the 105.9 fm every Wednesday from 7pm. Benjamin Oliver 12 books. Local acts such as Tom Flood, Static show each week. Starting out in June Like us on Facebook Each student in Year 7 has a reading The books most read by boys this Soul and Yellow Creatures have featured 2013, Unsigned Live is ever progressing, www.facebook.com/charlieandmark lesson every week in the LRC where they year are by the ever popular authors Sainsbury’s Bishop Auckland on the show in live interviews and attracting more and more artists have the opportunity to select books, David Walliams and Jeff Kinney. Whilst Friday 13th December take quizzes and discuss their book level Jacqueline Wilson still remains a Instrumentalists and choir and targets with Miss Heads, but their popular favourite with the girls. The Tom members will perform for 2 hours favourite part of the lesson is to find out Gates series by Liz Pichon is popular at the Bishop Auckland Store as exactly how many minutes a day they with both girls and boys. part of their Christmas Concert have been reading for. Students also series. benefit from shared reading sessions, As a reward for their enthusiasm for three times a week during enrichment reading and an excellent start to Year time. 7, all 223 students were able to pick a Beamish Museum free book from a selection of 12 fantastic Friday 13th December Research shows that children who read titles. Within a few days, lots of students for an average of 20 minutes every day, had already finished their books, taken a A lantern lit parade that will go are the students who improve their quiz and swapped them with friends. from the Waggonway, through the reading ages the most and ultimately woods and to the colliery yard and perform better in exams and some of At the time of writing, Miss Heads is finally into the Chapel where we our Year 7 students this year are already currently researching the possibility of will invite members of the public exceeding their targets. having eBooks available for students to to sit and watch a lantern lit carol download for free onto their devices, so service lasting approx 30 minutes. Some of our Reading Stars: watch this space! Catholic Jennifer Hindle has been reading for If you would like to view your child’s 140 minutes per day and is the first progress in Accelerated Reader please Metro Centre Partnership Host student in Year 7 to become a Word go to: https://Ukhosted3.renlearn. Wednesday 18th December Millionaire. Matthew Bell 45 minutes co.uk/2131958/HomeConnect and use Singing at the MetroCentre for reading per day; Luke Butterfield First Ever DT Show your child’s Accelerated Reader log in 2 hours with the pop choir - and 32 minutes reading per day; Kieran details. maybe a little time for a spot of Newberry 37 minutes reading per day; Tuesday 15th October saw The Catholic St Bede’s Catholic School shopping! Daniella Bennett 37 minutes reading To search for books within your Partnership host their first ever Design & Sixth Form College, child’s book level range, go to Technology Show at the National Glass Lanchester; St Joseph’s per day; Sophie Rivers 31 minutes Enjoy! reading per day; Harvey Sidebottom www.arbookfind.co.uk Centre, Sunderland. Catholic Academy, Hebburn Jonathan Payne, Michael Dunn, Dominic and Our Lady & St Bede RC School, 50minutes reading per day; Calista This provided an opportunity for Edwards, Sarah Armstrong, Jasmine Donavan 80 minutes reading per day; young designers and technologists to Stockton. Howarth, Brendan Hodgson, Callum showcase their creativity, innovation Sara Crawshaw, Director of the Catholic Russ, Adam Richards, Billy Hughes, and skill in a prestigious exhibition. Partnership, said “This is a unique Callum Harrison, Nathan Sykes, Ryan Supported by Sunderland University the opportunity for our young people to Burns, Simran Kaur Kang, William A Night at the Musicals exhibition celebrated the diverse and see themselves as designers and Hudspith, Becky Redfearn, Megan On Monday 21st November, students and be put on by the MADD group, St John’s exciting work that is produced in schools technologists; to celebrate their talents Swinburn, Olivia Anderson and Ashleigh staff took part in a spectacular evening very own Theatre Company which was within our partnership. The full range of and to showcase work that can inspire de Villiers. of dance, drama and music, showcasing formed in March 2013 following a hugely the Design Technology Curriculum was them to continue with their passion some of the most famous musical successful production of Guys and Dolls. on show including graphics, textiles, for design and technology. By having DT Award Recipients numbers. The evening was a complete The group get together every Monday food, product design and electronics. this exhibition at the National Glass The DT Awards are presented to sell-out, with people even begging for to learn new skills in Music, Art, Drama tickets on the door. The audience were and Dance, and consists of students St John's students exhibited alongside Centre we are able to acknowledge the students in years 7 and 8, who are treated to performances from Oliver, from years 7-13. After Christmas, the those from Carmel College, Darlington; significant contribution that the North nominated by staff for their enthusiasm East has made to design, art and culture and commitment to the subject. The Sound of Music, Cats, Bugsy Malone group will begin rehearsals for the St Thomas More RC Academy, North and Blood Brothers to name but a few. A 2014 Summer Production and we are Shields; St Michael’s Catholic Academy, and very much hope that we can nurture tomorrow’s talent to ensure that the Congratulations to all of our winners particular highlight for many was the St delighted to announce that the show Billingham; St Anthony’s Girls’ Catholic this term, well done everyone! John's staff rendition of Summer Lovin’ will be ‘The Sound of Music’. Auditions Academy, Sunderland; The English region can continue to innovate, create and lead in the world of design and ABOVE RIGHT: Year 7 Winners: Edward Thompson, from Grease; Mr Smith’s portrayal of for principal parts have already taken Martyrs School & Sixth Form College, Carrie Chetcuti, Amelia Troup, Wiktoria Fojt and technology” Danny Zuko will be remembered for a place, but any student is welcome to Hartlepool; St Leonard’s Catholic Sophie Andelin. long time! join the production as a member of the School, Durham; St Bede’s Catholic Students exhibiting work included: Liam ABOVE LEFT: Year 8 Winner: Aidan Wright A Night at the Musicals was the first chorus. For further details contact Miss School & Byron College, Peterlee; St Toase, Joshua Gilroy-Rossi, Emma Kirkwood. Aidan’s Catholic Academy, Sunderland; Bartlett, Robyn Daniels, James Gillis, performing arts showcase of its kind to

14 www.stjohnsrc.org.uk A Learning Community Guided by Gospel Values 15 ST JOHN’S NEWS Rob Heron & the Tea Pad Our Big Gig Orchestra Jazz On Wednesday 6th November at 7.00pm, Rob Heron and his Tea Workshop Pad Orchestra performed at St On the 25th September, John’s. Before this momentous students were invited to the occasion, some music students took part in a workshop, where they worked with the Literary and Philosophical members of the band themselves. They Society in Newcastle to learnt some fantastic new pieces of music captivated throughout the entire concert. Samba addend a lecture on the and were actually able to perform these At the end, an encore was demanded – no St John’s musicians participated in grounds where students were invited to with the band on the night. progression of Jazz and Blues one wanted the band to leave. A concert of 'Our Big Gig', a community based play. Fun! The band played a compilation of ragtime this calibre just cannot be missed, and so throughout the 20th Century. music celebration held at Auckland Members of the public arrived with blues style songs which were enjoyed I urge you to attend one of their gigs – they Castle in July 2013. The national event Samba has been a fun experience for Paul Edis, a pianist and saxophonist, picnics and settled themselves ready immensely by the audience. The simple are currently performing aims to bring communities together to me and everyone who has been coming lead the talk which was useful in various areas across for a lunchtime concert. Forte! Blown but brilliant ideas expressed within the celebrate their local musical talents and regularly. The workshops have been as it was extremely informative the region, including in Away and the Folk Group played a music (song topics included ex landlords, encourage people who are new to music organised by Laura Emerson who is as it involved everyone in group Barnard Castle and in selection of ensemble pieces whilst banking failures and coffee) were making to have a go! Our local Big Gig part of a company called Jack Drum discussion with question and seemingly endless; that along with the Frosterley. Holly Hankey, Tom Flood and Mark certainly achieved its goal. Arts that run music, film and drama answers lead by Paul. He was also wide, interesting range of instruments Lauren Bell Hyatt performed solo. St Wilfrid’s workshops. From the people I have accompanied by a band including a played so expertly kept everyone Primary students from St Wilfrid’s and strummed on ukuleles, the harpists asked who have been playing they said bass, guitar, trumpet and kit, and Our Lady and St Thomas participated sounded angelic; the massed choir they had really enjoyed it and would they performed jazz pieces from in outdoor Samba workshops and vocal were exciting and energetic singing love to do it again. I myself have been workshops held in the Throne Room of to Katy Perry’s Firework. A finale of artists like Jelly Roll Morton, Duke The Music Department have recently playing samba for two years and I have the Castle. A guest harpist worked with samba instrumentalists rounded off a Ellington and Miles Davis which Music Liturgy formed a new ensemble – The Music been helping Laura with the rhythms. I 8 primary pupils in the Chapel to create magnificent musical day in true carnival showcased the musicians’ skills and Liturgy Group. Singers have been would definitely do it again! and rehearse a performance piece, and style! demonstrated improvisation; it also carefully selected to perform sacred sound-sculptures adorned the Castle Sam Ward-Hardy helped the group to understand the repertoire, recently making their debut features Paul talked about when in assembly in October, followed by he was discussing the progression an appearance at the Tow Law Art of Blues and Jazz. After the Exhibition in collaboration with the Art lecture, the musicians invited us Department. We wish them luck in for a session on improvisation, to future ventures. develop our skills and give us an idea on how to improvise weather we had done it before or not. I The Arts Retrospective 2013 thought it was really helpful as Year 11 students from Music, Art and detail with members of the audience the musicians helped widen our Drama were invited to perform at who questioned their inspiration, Durham Brass knowledge of improvisation and Auckland Castle in July at The Arts technique and complimented the finer International Festival 2013 Media Oscars gave us another thought process to Retrospective. The grandeur and details of the accomplished work. follow when doing so which proved As part of the Durham Brass Music Entry elegance of the Throne Room at the to be really useful. It also gave us Finally, Miss Carr introduced her International Festival 2013, St John’s The Year 9 Music group have been Castle helped create a great sense the opportunity to use our practical Year 11 drama group with a specially year 7 students had the pleasure of working hard on composing their own of occasion for all of the performers skills in an ensemble after gaining prepared performance of John Godber's listening to Bandakadabra, an all pop song this term and two groups in celebration of their academic knowledge from the talk. 'Bouncers'. Their scene selection Italian super-brass ensemble. In July, of students have entered their song achievements. introduced a Friday night out 'on the the street band performed an hour What a performance! into the Catholic Partnership Media Holly Hankey Ellen Poot, Freya Kalus, Oscar Hunt and town'. The students captured how long concert of infectious repertoire Year 8 students were also given Oscars competition. Jane Hayman, Lucy Dart all performed during the first streets come alive with giggly girls combining different musical styles the opportunity to hear a street Megan Whales, Connor Martin, Eloise half on their chosen instrument treating and laddish lads all observed and and moods from wild Balkan rhythms Would you like a new challenge? band. This time a trio named 'Bold Oakes, Sam Ward-Hardy and Jack the audience to a rare mix of Baroque, commented on by 'The Bouncers'. to traditional marching themes, Latin Interested in learning to play a As' performed in the main hall Short recorded the final version of their Classical and modern repertoire. Megan Lambert, Alisha Atkinson, and Jazz. Students lapped up the musical instrument? introducing their instruments: soprano song in the school recording studio and The standard of musicianship was Harry Newton, Conor McCready, Emily atmosphere by clapping and dancing to saxophone, trombone and bass. performed all the parts themselves. Why not come and talk to the excellent as the grandeur and elegance Wilkinson, Holly Harvey, Iona Mayberry the music, encouraged by the colourful Their music included traditional to The competition will be held on Music Department about learning of the Throne Room helped create a and Sarah Reese all performed in the characters of the group. Clarinets, modern arrangements, and unusually Wednesday 27th November - good luck an instrument? We currently great sense of occasion for all of the comic rendition. trumpets, saxophones, trombones, featured beat boxing. Music students to all! Follow the links below to listen to have spaces for the following performers baritone and bass with percussion Mr Adair concluded the evening with participated in a workshop lead by the entry. instruments: Saxophone, Flute, created an exciting carnival atmosphere During the interval whilst canapés and a short reflection as students were 'Bold As', where they developed their Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, Violin, with choreographed dances to entertain Pimms were served, artists Georgina praised for their effort and talents as improvisational skills, playing in the Cello and Singing lessons. and encourage audience participation. Dunbar, Anita Cicharska, Anganile staff wished them all the best for their formation of a street band. Again the All students followed the procession For more information please see Mr Mwanjoka and Heityshi Reddy had their future ventures. performance was a foot stomping of instrumentalists in a long ‘musical Haslett or Mrs Wearmouth in the artwork and portfolios displayed. Miss success as students described the conga’ to end the concert on stage, Music Department today! Devlin discussed the students’ work in Mrs Wearmouth band as “awesome”, “exciting” and cheering and demanding more! Phew! “amazing!”. 16 www.stjohnsrc.org.uk A Learning Community Guided by Gospel Values 17 Sport at St John’s Netball Goes from Strength Sports Day to Strength! The PE and House Change Team The new PE Change Team has been Competitions introduced at St John’s this term. The Change Team is made up of With the introduction of the School Houses last year one male, and one female student we held our inaugural House competitions and sports from years 8 to 11, and they meet day during the summer term. to discuss the changes they want to make in PE. In order to see through The House competitions saw students take part in a range of different activities their ideas, they meet with Miss including rounders, table-tennis, relays, trampolining, golf and Watt Bikes. Somers, attend PE departmental Students competed for their Houses and their scores were added together to meetings and engage in discussions Kayaking Club determine the overall winners. The final results were as follows: 1st Place Wilfrid, with the senior leadership team. So Each term we give 16 students in Year 2nd Place Bede, 3rd Place Aidan and 4th Place Cuthbert. far the students have introduced 7 the opportunity to take part in the The new Sports Day format enabled students to compete against their peers from the new lunch time leagues and Kayaking club. Sessions take place are designing and organising PE other tutor groups. Unusually, the lovely weather allowed for an excellent day A great performance from the year 9 girls enabled Year 10 netball team at the south west Durham in the school pool on a Monday night which included both the traditional activities in the morning, and whole school them to secure 2nd place in the tournament. tournament. A fantastic performance by the girls hoodies. between 3-4pm and 4-5pm. At the end afternoon activities such as splash relay, continuous relay, tug of war and sprint resulted in them winning every match to retain The lunch time leagues involve their title. of the term students will be given the shot. Thanks to all of the staff and Sixth Form PE students for their help with the nearly 200 students who compete opportunity to complete the 2* Award event. The results of the event were as follows: 4th Cuthbert, 3rd Bede, 2nd Aidan Once again the commitment and dedication of our netball teams has in football, netball and basketball, and may get the opportunity to compete and 1st Wilfrid. and each term a winning team will in competitions with the Tees Tigers. Any been overwhelming, with over 50 students regularly attending training be awarded with medals. A big well students interested in taking part in the sessions. Many of the students now also have links with clubs outside done to Cameron Galloway, Maddy club can see Miss Somers for details. of school. Wood, Michael Gilbert, Josh Green and Rachel Brown for organising For the first time our Sixth Form girls have entered a team in the South Durham and the teams. Cleveland County Netball Association U18 League this year. The girls have risen to the challenge, playing extremely well in their friendly match against English Martyrs and are optimistic about their upcoming fixtures against Egglescliffe, English Martyrs, Carmel and Teesside High. Good luck Girls! St John's Cycling Golf Roots Club Award Winners The PE department added an exciting new activity to the extra- curricular timetable in September, with the introduction of our cycling club. As well as road safety, Watt Bike? students taking part will also learn On Thursday 12th September we held about bike maintenance. St John’s first ever Watt Bikes cycling We took our first outdoor ride with competition. A Watt bike is an exercise a tour around the pavements, bike that tracks speed and distance, tracks and roads of Bishop and during the competition students Bellboating Auckland earlier this term, kitted and staff had to cycle 1000m as quickly This year the Catholic Partnership hosted its first ever Bellboating competition. out with fluorescent high visibility as possible. Well done to everyone that Seven year 8 students (Tomasina Appleton, Megan Batty, Bernire Whitworth, jackets and bands which meant took part, particularly to Mr Kipling who Chloe Woodfine, Jake Morris, Peter Danks and Jack Maddison) represented we were nearly as retro as the won the staff race (in his trousers and St John's (with a little help from Miss Somers). With stacked hands and some Sixth Form football team! It’s not shirt!) and Noah Ellis who won the year detailed coaching we first competed and lost against St Aidan's school. In the too late to join the club, for more 7 boys race. Both winners received a second race however with some unbelievable communication and coordination St John’s and Bishop Auckland Golf Club have been named as winners of the Golf information see Miss Somers. cycle helmet! The school will now go on the team successfully overcame St Bede's. The semi-final's were closely fought, Roots Project of the Year for 2013 in County Durham. The award was presented to represent the area in a competition resulting in St John's finishing 3rd, and unfortunately missing out on a place at the Durham Golf Partnership’s Development Awards evening on Thursday against Darlington Schools in the new in the final. The event was enjoyed by all, and the hard work of the teams was 21st November at Durham County Cricket Club. The award recognises the great year. rewarded with a tasty BBQ! progress the school and club have made together to discover ways in which they can ‘grow the game’ in County Durham.

18 www.stjohnsrc.org.uk A Learning Community Guided by Gospel Values 19 Sport at St John’s Cross Country Runners Shine Amanda Coulson Forty students from years 7 and 8 Returns to St John's competed in the District Schools Cross Friday 11th October saw our second Rugby Country event at Teesdale School visit from Amanda Coulson who this term. All athletes performed worked with the two Year 10 Sports Academy in fantastically in what were very cold and Leadership groups. During the windy conditions! Students competed day Amanda talked to the groups Full Swing regarding her route to elite sport and in teams, with each race including over the steps to success. The students The first term has almost passed 100 runners. The year 7 and 8 boys were also involved in a team building and the new Rugby Academy is in finished 2nd overall, and the year 7 girls practical which helped them to full swing. Already we have played 3 took 3rd place. As well as excellent develop their communication and fixtures against teams from across team results, St John’s produced some team work skills. We are looking the county and it is evident that all of the finest individual performances on forward to another visit from Amanda students are making excellent progress. the day too. Taylor Brown, Elisha Wakes later in the year to work with the PE and Erin Hopps finished in the top ten of change team. Each member of the Academy has shown an outstanding attitude, both in their races, whilst Jasmine Sharp and developing their performance and also Ryan Watson collected silver medals! Football News their coaching skills. The students have Erin and Jasmine will now progress Congratulations to our girls under 15 made it through to the 3rd round of the to run for the District Year 7 squad. football team who, after a hard fought NatWest Vase - watch this space for Congratulations to all who took part – battle against St Wilfrid’s in Wakefield updates on the results. see you at running club every Thursday have made it through to the last 32 in after school! a national competition. Miss Somers said “ After a 1-1 draw in normal time the girls showed magnificent composure to win on sudden death penalties by 5-4.” Well done girls, and good luck in the next round! Not to be outdone, the year 9 boys have also progressed to the final 32 after a 4-1 win over St Thomas More, Blaydon. Over 700 schools originally entered the competition so the question is.....Roy Hodgson out, Mr Smith in??

Swimming Success The Catholic Partnership Swimming Gala was once again held at the Dolphin Centre in Darlington and was an excellent event that our students thoroughly enjoyed. St John's boys and girls teams both finished 3rd overall out of a total of 9 schools. Individual medal winners on the day included: Hayden Craggs, Neve Mason and Rugby League World Claudia Chapman (Under 12), Joseph Aitken (Under 13), Ellie Clayton (Under Cup in Cardiff 14), Grace Dutchburn (Under 15) and On Saturday 26th October 2013 at a very early 4am, 44 students and 6 staff set Ashlyn Bland (Under 16). off to Cardiff to attend the 2013 Rugby League World Cup Opening Ceremony and watch the opening fixtures of England v Australia and Wales v Italy. To start the proceedings the string quartet Escala performed renditions of Led Zeppelin’s ‘Kashmir’ and the hymn Jerusalem. Students then had the privilege of singing the National Anthems and watch two elite games of rugby. It was a fantastic trip for all involved, and was particularly enjoyed by Miss Preston who repeated the phrase “I love it me” throughout our time at the stadium. The students were great ambassadors for the school at the event and thoroughly enjoyed it. designed by [email protected]

t: 01388 603246 e: [email protected] We wish you all a very happy www.stjohnsrc.org.uk St John’s School & Sixth Form College, A Catholic Academy 20 and peaceful Christmas. Woodhouse Lane, Bishop Auckland, Countywww.stjohnsrc.org.uk Durham DL14 6JT